Get ready to be thrilled—the first images from Sam Raimi’s highly anticipated horror thriller Send Help have finally dropped, and they’re already sparking excitement! Starring Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien, this film 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 thriller with a twist, blending elements of Misery and Cast Away into a gripping tale of two colleagues stranded on a deserted island. And this is the part most people miss: it’s also a story of female empowerment, as a put-upon employee becomes the key to survival for her misogynistic boss. Sounds like a recipe for tension, right?
Let’s rewind a bit. Raimi’s journey to this project has been anything but straightforward. Back in 2007, rumors swirled about him producing a fantasy film with the writers behind Freddy vs. Jason and Friday the 13th. That fell through, and later, he considered a Bermuda Triangle project—only to drop it, leaving it in the hands of other directors. Fast forward to 2019, Raimi announced an untitled island horror thriller, but 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. Talk about persistence!
But here’s where it gets controversial: While the film is described as a ‘two-hander horror thriller,’ film scooper Daniel Richtman revealed a logline that adds a comedic twist—calling it a ‘comedy-adventure horror.’ Does this mean Raimi is blending laughs with scares? And how will audiences react to this unexpected mix? Raimi himself told Entertainment Weekly that he was drawn to the ‘complex, human’ characters and the ‘outrageous and original’ pitch. He also emphasized the film’s universal message of respect and kindness, regardless of status. Bold move, or recipe for disaster? You decide.
The cast is rounded out by Chris Pang and Dennis Haysbert, with Raimi producing alongside Zainab Azizi of Raimi Productions. Filming began in February, setting the stage for a January 30, 2026, theatrical release. The first images, courtesy of Entertainment Weekly, offer a glimpse into the tense dynamic between McAdams’ Linda—a sharp but underestimated employee—and O’Brien’s Bradley, her dismissive boss. It’s a battle of wills, survival skills, and personal transformation, all set against the backdrop of a remote island.
Here’s the burning question: Can Send Help strike the right balance between horror, humor, and heart? Raimi’s track record suggests he’s up to the challenge, but this film feels like uncharted territory. Are you in for the ride? Check out the images below and let us know your thoughts in the comments. And don’t forget to ask yourself: In a world where power dynamics are flipped, who’s really in control? This isn’t just a movie—it’s a conversation starter. What’s your take?
