A chillingly funny new thriller has arrived, promising a darkly satisfying escape. It’s a film that burrows under your skin, blending the anxieties of the modern workplace with the visceral thrills of a survival horror.
Rachel McAdams delivers a tour-de-force performance as Linda Liddle, a relentlessly hardworking woman perpetually overlooked and underestimated. She’s the kind of person who feels painfully real – awkward, eager to please, and constantly battling for recognition in a world that rarely offers it.
Enter Bradley, the new CEO played with deliciously smug entitlement by Dylan O’Brien. He’s the quintessential “nepo baby,” inheriting his position and radiating an effortless arrogance that immediately sets him at odds with Linda. Their first encounter is a masterclass in cringe-worthy discomfort, a moment so excruciating it feels almost prophetic.
The film initially feels like a sharp, satirical take on office politics, reminiscent of 90s career comedies. But just when you think you’ve got a handle on it, everything explodes in a spectacularly violent turn. A plane crash strands Linda and Bradley on a deserted island, forcing them to confront not only the elements, but also their deeply ingrained power dynamics.
Suddenly, Linda’s overlooked skills and quiet resilience become invaluable. She thrives in the face of adversity, building shelter, finding food, and taking charge while a helpless Bradley struggles to adapt. It’s a captivating reversal of fortune, watching a woman who was once dismissed find her true strength.
The island setting unleashes a primal energy within Linda, culminating in a shockingly brutal boar hunt. It’s a scene that allows McAdams to unleash years of pent-up frustration, transforming her character into a fierce and capable survivor. The film doesn’t shy away from graphic detail, but the violence feels earned, a visceral expression of Linda’s long-suppressed rage.
O’Brien is equally brilliant, expertly portraying Bradley’s descent from entitled boss to pathetic, whining castaway. He channels a physical comedy reminiscent of a young Jim Carrey, wringing every ounce of humor from his character’s helplessness. His attempts to reassert authority – even in the face of imminent danger – are consistently met with satisfying resistance.
What truly elevates the film is its clever script and the surprisingly strong chemistry between McAdams and O’Brien. Their dynamic shifts constantly, mirroring the power struggles of the office they left behind. The film expertly blends humor, horror, and social commentary, creating a truly unique and unsettling experience.
Prepare for a film that doesn’t pull any punches. It’s a wild ride filled with shocking moments – scenes involving bodily fluids and gruesome injuries that are as disturbing as they are darkly funny. But it’s all in service of a larger point: a scathing indictment of modern work culture and the toll it takes on the human spirit.
“Send Help” is more than just a thriller; it’s a cathartic release for anyone who’s ever felt overlooked, undervalued, or simply pushed too far. It’s a film that entertains, horrifies, and leaves you questioning the very nature of ambition and survival.
