Get ready to be thrilled, because the first images from Sam Raimi’s highly anticipated horror thriller, Send Help, have finally arrived—and they’re already sparking excitement! Starring Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien, this project marks Raimi’s return to the genre after his blockbuster success with Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Send Help isn’t just another horror flick—it’s a survival story with a twist, blending elements of Misery and Cast Away into a gripping tale of two colleagues stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash. And this is the part most people miss: it’s also a story of female empowerment, as a put-upon employee becomes her misogynistic boss’s only hope for survival. Talk about a power shift!
Let’s rewind a bit. Raimi’s journey to this film has been anything but straightforward. Back in 2007, rumors swirled about him producing a fantasy film with the writers of Freddy vs. Jason and Friday the 13th. That fell through, as did a Bermuda Triangle project he later considered. Fast forward to 2019, and Raimi was set to direct an untitled island horror thriller—until the pandemic hit, and he pivoted to Doctor Strange. Now, he’s circled back to this passion project, with A Quiet Place writers Scott Beck and Bryan Woods giving the script a fresh rewrite. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this just another survival story, or does it challenge societal norms by flipping traditional power dynamics?
According to Raimi himself, the film’s appeal lies in its complex characters and universal themes. He told Entertainment Weekly, ‘I found the two lead characters, Linda and Bradley, to be complex, human, and constantly at odds with each other in often conflicting situations.’ Linda, described as the smartest person in the room but often overlooked, is a character many will relate to. Bradley, her misogynistic boss, is the kind of figure we love to hate. Raimi adds, ‘What I really love about this story is that it’s an underdog tale at its core… It’s especially rewarding to see our heroine, Linda, come into her own in such an unexpected environment.’
Filming began in February, with a theatrical release set for January 30, 2026. The first images, courtesy of Entertainment Weekly, offer a glimpse into the tense and isolated world Raimi has created. But the real question is: will Send Help live up to the hype? And more importantly, does it go far enough in challenging workplace dynamics and gender roles?
Here’s where you come in: What do you think? Is this just another survival thriller, or does it have the potential to be something more? Let us know in the comments below—we’re eager to hear your thoughts!
