Send Help
DirectorSam Raimi
WriterDamian Shannon
Mark Swift
Producer
  • Sam Raimi
  • Zainab Azizi
Starring
CinematographyBill Pope
EditingBob Murawski
MusicDanny Elfman
StudioRaimi Productions
Distributor20th Century Studios
ReleasedJanuary 21, 2026 (TCL Chinese Theatre); January 30, 2026 (United States)
Runtime113 minutes[1]
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$40 million[2]
Gross$94 million[3][4]

Send Help is a 2026 American survival horror thriller film[5] directed and co-produced by Sam Raimi and written by Damian Shannon and Mark Swift. The film stars Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien as an employee and her boss, respectively, who become stranded on a desert island after a plane crash and attempt to survive while tension rises between them.

Send Help premiered at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, California on January 21, 2026, and was released in the United States by 20th Century Studios on January 30. The film received positive reviews from critics and grossed $94 million against a $40 million production budget.

Plot

Socially awkward and downtrodden corporate strategist Linda Liddle anticipates a long-promised promotion from Bradley Preston, the son of her former boss, upon his appointment as CEO. Instead, Bradley awards the position to Donovan, a recent hire and former fraternity brother, and plans to sideline Linda in a dead-end role, citing her unattractiveness and lack of charisma.

When Linda confronts him, Bradley, purporting to be impressed by her boldness, invites her to accompany him, Donovan, and other executives on a business trip to Bangkok so she can help finalize a company merger. During the flight, Donovan humiliates Linda by playing her audition tape for Survivor. As the plane passes through a storm, it suffers engine failure and rapid altitude loss. During explosive decompression, Donovan attempts to strangle Linda and take her seat, but she stabs him with a fork. Everyone except Linda and Bradley are sucked from the aircraft before it crashes into the sea.

The next morning, Linda washes up on a remote island in the Gulf of Thailand and finds Bradley alive but badly injured. With no other survivors, Linda builds shelter and secures food and water. Bradley relies on her but continues to treat Linda as a subordinate. In response, Linda abandons him for two days. When she returns, Bradley is near collapse from dehydration. Though still resentful, he begins to accept her authority. Linda proves adept at survival, catching fish and killing a wild boar. While exploring the far side of the island, she avoids signalling a passing boat.

As Bradley recovers, Linda teaches him survival skills but warns him about the far side of the island, claiming it is filled with poisonous plants. One night, while drinking homemade fruit wine, she confesses that she once allowed her abusive husband to drive drunk, leading to his death. Bradley appears sympathetic and offers to cook for Linda, but he poisons her meal with berries so he can escape on a makeshift raft. However, waves destroy the raft, and Linda, having survived, rescues Bradley.

In retaliation, Linda temporarily paralyzes Bradley with octopus toxin and pretends to castrate him, asserting control over him and their situation. While harvesting fruit, Linda encounters Bradley's fiancée, Zuri, who arrives by boat after the end of official rescue efforts. Fearing the loss of her new life and purpose, Linda leads Zuri and the boat captain to an unstable cliff, where they fall off. She returns to the camp alone, shaken and withdrawn, allowing Bradley to hunt by himself. While doing so, Bradley discovers Zuri's buried remains.

Confronted, Linda claims the deaths were accidental, but Bradley accuses her of murder and attacks her. In the ensuing fight, Bradley injures Linda's eye before she stabs him. Bradley escapes and discovers a luxurious beach house on the far side of the island. Linda follows, confessing that she had known about the house since seeing the first boat and that she caused Zuri and the captain to fall. Linda threatens Bradley with an unloaded shotgun, and he pleads for his life, claiming he loves her and wishes to remain on the island. However, Linda notices that Bradley is concealing a weapon before he seizes the shotgun. Linda overpowers and kills him with a golf club.

A year later, a rescued Linda is now a wealthy and beloved celebrity, capitalizing on the attention from being the apparent sole survivor of the crash. At a celebrity golf tournament, Linda promotes a film adaptation of her best-selling memoir and announces her intention to write a self-help book, saying, "No help is coming, so you'd better start saving yourself."

Cast

Bruce Campbell makes photographic cameos as Bradley's unnamed father, the former CEO of the financial company who appears in several photographs and paintings seen in Bradley's office and had died at some point.[7] Audio of Survivor host Jeff Probst is used, and there were plans for him to make a cameo as himself but he was forced to decline due to scheduling conflicts.[8]

Production

In October 2019, Columbia Pictures announced that Sam Raimi would direct an untitled horror film with Mark Swift and Damian Shannon writing the script.[9] In an interview with TheWrap, Raimi revealed that Columbia, which Sony Pictures owns, initially wanted the film to be a streaming exclusive, but Raimi declined, wishing it to instead receive a theatrical release.[10] The film would later be titled Send Help,[11] with 20th Century Studios attached to distribute.[12]

In October 2024, Rachel McAdams entered negotiations to star.[13] Raimi had worked with McAdams in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022) and considered her underutilized in the movie. He therefore intended to showcase her talent in another project. He added that one of his producers advised that "the fact that she has not really played a dark, terrible villain before really sets the audience up to be surprised".[14] In December, Chris Pang joined the cast.[15] In early 2025, Dylan O'Brien and Dennis Haysbert joined the cast, with McAdams confirmed to star.[16][17] Principal photography was scheduled to begin in January 2025.[18][19] Filming ultimately began that February, in Sydney, Los Angeles, and Thailand,[20] and concluded on April 17.[21]

Music

Main article: Send Help (soundtrack)

The soundtrack to Send Help was released by Hollywood Records on the same day as the film's release. The soundtrack contains 23 tracks composed by Danny Elfman.[22][23]

Release

Send Help premiered at the TCL Chinese Theatre on January 21, 2026,[24] and was released in the United States on January 30, 2026, by 20th Century Studios.[25] The film was released on VOD on March 24, 2026, and on DVD, Blu-ray and Ultra HD Blu-ray on April 21, 2026.[26][27]

Reception

Box office

Send Help grossed $65 million in the United States and Canada, and $29 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $94 million.[4][3]

In the United States and Canada, Send Help was released alongside Iron Lung, Shelter, and Melania, and was projected to gross $14–17 million from 3,475 theaters in its opening weekend.[2] The film made $7.2 million on its first day, including $2.2 million from Thursday night previews. It went on to debut to $19.1 million, topping the box office.[28][29] In its following weekend, it dropped 48%, earning $10 million.[30] The film made $8.9 million, and $4.5 million in its third and fourth weekends.[31][32]

Critical response

Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "B+" on an A+ to F scale.[33][34]

IndieWires Alison Foreman gave an A− for the film, and called it "wickedly lovable with the potential to be timeless".[35] Michael Phillips of San Francisco Chronicle wrote, "At its simplest, we have here a performance showcase for O'Brien's artfully restrained sniveling and, especially, for McAdams' miraculous shape-shifting abilities. Essentially Send Help is Cast Away if Wilson the volleyball was a misogynist tool."[36] Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter wrote, "It could be said that Send Help indulges in more baroque plot twists than fully necessary and begins to lose some steam toward the end. But the surprising climax, plus an amusing coda, brings it all home. Audiences are in for quite a ride."[37] Deadlines Pete Hammond wrote, "Send Help is the first movie gem of 2026, a devilish treat and welcome respite from the real world. It's a pleasure."[38] Jeannette Catsoulis of The New York Times said, "From its cheeky score by the director's frequent collaborator Danny Elfman, to its darkly humorous tone and playfully yucky special effects, the movie is Raimi at his most gleeful and twisted."[39]

TheWrap's Amelia Emberwing wrote that the film is "a story rooted in the exploration of human nature and exactly who we become if it means survival both in the literal and figurative sense".[40] Meagan Navarro of Bloody Disgusting wrote, "Send Help is full of vibrant personality, with all of Raimi's signatures."[41]

References

  1. ^ "Send Help [MA 15+]". Australian Classification Board. January 9, 2026. Archived January 22, 2026 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
  2. ^ Rubin, Rebecca (January 28, 2026). "Box Office: Sam Raimi's 'Send Help' Targets $15 Million Debut, 'Melania' Doc Aims for $3 Million Against $40 Million Price Tag". Variety. Archived January 28, 2026 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved January 28, 2026.
  3. ^ "Send Help - Box Office and Financial Information". The Numbers. Send-Help-(2026). Archived March 27, 2026 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved March 22, 2026.
  4. ^ "Send Help". Box Office Mojo. 8036976. Archived March 6, 2026 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-03-22.
  5. ^ Menon, Rahul (2026-01-30). "'Send Help' - Review". Script Magazine. Archived February 16, 2026 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-02-01.
  6. ^ Lenker, Maureen Lee (October 14, 2025). "Dylan O'Brien and Rachel McAdams are enemy co-workers stranded on an island in 'Send Help' first look". Entertainment Weekly. Archived October 15, 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved October 14, 2025.
  7. ^ Evangelista, Chris (January 30, 2026). "'Send Help' Features Two Sam Raimi Easter Eggs You Probably Missed". SlashFilm. Static Media. Retrieved February 2, 2026.
  8. ^ Garner, Glenn (March 8, 2026). "‘Send Help’ Writers Had Cameo For Jeff Probst But “Couldn’t Work Out The Schedule” With ‘Survivor 50’". Deadline Hollywood. Penske Media Corporation. Retrieved March 15, 2026.
  9. ^ Kit, Borys (October 18, 2019). "Sam Raimi, Columbia Team for Horror Thriller (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived May 18, 2021 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved April 18, 2024.
  10. ^ Taylor, Drew (2026-02-04). "How Sam Raimi Got 'Send Help' Through the Studio System With Its Oddball Charms Intact". TheWrap. Retrieved 2026-03-26.
  11. ^ Hamman, Cody (October 31, 2023). "Send Help: Sam Raimi to direct horror comedy adventure film from the writers of Freddy vs. Jason". JoBlo.com. Archived November 1, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved April 18, 2024.
  12. ^ Grobar, Matt (July 9, 2024). "Sam Raimi To Direct & Produce Horror Thriller 'Send Help' For 20th Century Studios". Deadline Hollywood. Archived July 9, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved July 9, 2024.
  13. ^ Oganesyan, Natalie (October 5, 2024). "Rachel McAdams Circling Sam Raimi's Horror-Thriller 'Send Help'". Deadline Hollywood. Archived October 5, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
  14. ^ Dunn, Jack (February 6, 2026). "Sam Raimi Says Rachel McAdams Was 'Underutilized' in 'Doctor Strange': 'Promised Myself That I Would Work With Her Again'". Variety. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
  15. ^ Grobar, Matt (December 10, 2024). "'Interior Chinatown's Chris Pang Signs With Buchwald, Joins Sam Raimi's 'Send Help'". Deadline Hollywood. Archived December 11, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved February 9, 2025.
  16. ^ Kroll, Justin (January 21, 2025). "Dylan O'Brien To Co-Star Opposite Rachel McAdams In The Sam Raimi Horror Thriller 'Send Help' At 20th Century". Deadline Hollywood. Archived January 21, 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved January 21, 2025.
  17. ^ Grobar, Matt (February 11, 2025). "Dennis Haysbert Latest To Join Sam Raimi's Send Help". Deadline Hollywood. Archived February 11, 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  18. ^ Sneider, Jeff (October 5, 2024). "Hot Rumor: Sam Raimi Nearing Deal to Direct 'Doctor Strange 3' for Marvel". The Insneider. Archived October 5, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
  19. ^ Kit, Borys (October 24, 2024). "A Secret 'Predator' Movie, An 'Alien' Sequel and 'Speed 3' on the Table: A Chat with 20th Century Studios Boss Steve Asbell". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived October 24, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved October 24, 2024.
  20. ^ Freitag, Lee (February 7, 2025). "Sam Raimi's New Movie Shares BTS Image As Filming Gets Underway". Comic Book Resources. Archived June 13, 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
  21. ^ DiVicenzo, Alex (April 24, 2025). "Sam Raimi's 'Send Help' Starring Rachel McAdams & Dylan O'Brien Wraps Production". Bloody Disgusting. Archived April 24, 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
  22. ^ "SEND HELP: Listen To A Sneak Preview Of Danny Elfman's Original Score". Fangoria. 2026-01-29. Archived February 2, 2026 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-02-02.
  23. ^ "Send Help (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) by Danny Elfman on Apple Music". Apple Music. 2026-01-30. Archived February 2, 2026 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-02-02.
  24. ^ Perine, Aaron (January 22, 2026). "Send Help's World Premiere Lights Up Los Angeles with Stars". That Hashtag Show. Archived January 26, 2026 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved January 22, 2026.
  25. ^ Lang, Brent (February 14, 2025). "Sam Raimi's 'Send Help,' James L. Brooks' 'Ella McCay' Get Release Dates as Disney Moves 'Elio' Back a Week". Variety. Archived February 14, 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved February 14, 2025.
  26. ^ Lammers, Tim (March 17, 2026). "Sam Raimi’s Horror Thriller ‘Send Help’ Gets Streaming Date". Forbes. Retrieved March 18, 2026.
  27. ^ DiVincenzo, Alex (March 17, 2026). "Sam Raimi’s ‘Send Help’ Hits Digital Next Week, Physical Media in April". Bloody Disgusting. Retrieved March 18, 2026.
  28. ^ Moreau, Jordan (2026-01-30). "Box Office: Sam Raimi's 'Send Help' Makes $2.2 Million in Previews". Variety. Archived January 31, 2026 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-01-31.
  29. ^ Rubin, Rebecca (2026-02-01). "Box Office: 'Melania' Doc Beats Expectations With $7 Million Debut, Sam Raimi's 'Send Help' Lands at No. 1 With $20 Million". Variety. Archived February 1, 2026 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-02-01.
  30. ^ Ellwood, Gregory (2026-02-08). "'Send Help' Barely Takes The 'Super Bowl' Weekend Box Office Trophy As 'Pillion' Slaps In Limited Release". The Playlist. Retrieved 2026-02-08.
  31. ^ Dubiel, Bill (2026-02-15). "Sam Raimi's Send Help Just Pulled Off An Insane Domestic Box Office Feat In Its Third Weekend". Screen Rant. Archived February 16, 2026 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-02-16.
  32. ^ Bahr, Lindsey (2026-02-22). "It's a quiet box office weekend as 'GOAT' edges 'Wuthering Heights'". Associated Press. Archived February 22, 2026 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  33. ^ "Home". CinemaScore. Retrieved January 31, 2026.
  34. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (2026-01-31). "'Send Help' $17.5M+ Ahead Of 'Iron Lung'; 'Melania' 'A' CinemaScore & $8M+ Record Docu Debut In Decade; Charli xcx's 'The Moment' Sings – Box Office". Deadline Hollywood. Archived January 30, 2026 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-01-31.
  35. ^ Foreman, Alison (January 26, 2026). "'Send Help' Review: Sam Raimi Manages the Hell Out of Rachel McAdams' Best Comedy Since 'Mean Girls'". IndieWire. Archived January 29, 2026 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved January 28, 2026.
  36. ^ "'Send Help' review: Rachel McAdams saves Sam Raimi's grisly 'Survivor' riff"
  37. ^ Scheck, Frank (January 26, 2026). "'Send Help' Review: Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien Face Off in Sam Raimi's Rivetingly Bonkers Survival Thriller". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived January 29, 2026 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved January 28, 2026.
  38. ^ Hammond, Pete (January 26, 2026). "'Send Help' Review: Rachel McAdams Turns The Tables On Boss Dylan O'Brien In Sam Raimi's Delicious Genre-Bending Dark Comic Thriller". Deadline. Archived January 29, 2026 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved January 28, 2026.
  39. ^ Catsoulis, Jeannette (2026-01-29). "‘Send Help’ Review: Beach Wear (and Tear)". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  40. ^ Emberwing, Amelia (January 26, 2026). "'Send Help': Rachel McAdams Shines in Sam Raimi's Gritty Tale of Survival and Power Dynamics". TheWrap. Archived January 29, 2026 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved January 29, 2026.
  41. ^ Navarro, Meagan (2026-01-29). "'Send Help' Review – Sam Raimi Is Back In Fine Splatstick Form In Survival Thriller Comedy". Bloody Disgusting. Archived January 31, 2026 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2026-01-30.