Movie Synopsis: “Send Help” is a horror-comedy directed by Sam Raimi starring Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien as an office worker and her boss who get stranded on a island after a catastrophic plane crash leaves them for dead.

Elizabeth says three and a half stars: Great laughs

Director Sam Raimi’s “Send Help” is a horror-comedy film that follows main character Linda Liddle played by Rachel McAdams who is stranded on an island with her psycho boss, Bradley Preston played by Dylan O’Brien. Outside of the office, the roles are reversed and suddenly Linda is in charge. Although some of the acting from the characters was over the top and exaggerated at times, it had me hooked for the entirety of the film.

The dynamic between Linda and Bradley on the island is hilarious. Bradley who at the start of the film didn’t believe in Linda’s skills is quickly proven wrong. She is the one who is out hunting for food, making shelter for the both of them and doing everything possible to keep the both of them alive until help comes looking for them.

Throughout the film, there are very unserious and hilarious scenes that kind of have you questioning “What am I watching right now?” but it was ultimately one of the most entertaining films I’ve seen in a while. Linda is fearless and an ultimate boss as she has to deal with her douchebag of a boss but suddenly those titles don’t hold any meaning, especially when you’re stranded on a deserted island.

McAdams acting is truly one of a kind as she’s played in a lot of popular movies such as “The Notebook” and in “Send Help” she brings this sort of power that she plays in Linda. This is a movie I would 100% recommend if you want to have a good laugh with your friends.

— Elizabeth Jacobo

Kobe says four stars: A witty thriller

Going into “Send Help,” I knew next to nothing about it other than the film being directed by Sam Raimi of “Evil Dead” fame. I was delighted to find a movie that masterfully executes its comedic bits with genuinely terrifying moments, sometimes in the same scene. 

Rachel McAdams’s giddy performance as Linda Liddle is a delight to watch on screen. The movie does an excellent job getting the audience to root for her from the first act, justifying her hesitation in returning to a society where she is constantly looked down on. However, Linda’s likeability undercuts her more villainous moments, which becomes particularly jarring near the climax and the film’s big twist.

Dylan O’Brien as Bradley is a treat to watch. His performance sells the misplaced ego of this nepobaby, and it’s hard not to take sadistic glee watching him fail repeatedly without Linda’s help. Like Linda, his attempts to sabotage her, and in turn himself, had me feeling betrayed, though still very funny to watch unfold. Their banter together is engaging enough that I rarely felt bored watching the film.

The visual effects are unfortunately the weakest part of the movie. I did not buy the tropical environment. Any scenes with water look like something only a person from 2008 would find remarkable.

While “Send Help” isn’t anything revolutionary, it doesn’t need to be thanks to tight direction and great performances from its leads.

— Kobe Lam

Michael says 2 and a half stars: It’s mid

“Send Help” was okay. Although the film starts off very clique, but as the story unravels, it takes unexpected turns and some viewers may end up leaving the theater stunned.

The movie is supposed to be a horror comedy, but it doesn’t fit cleanly into either of those categories. Sure there are some bloody scenes and audiences are shown the true evil that lies within human desperation, but “Send Help” is not scary.  It wasn’t particularly funny either, although the main actors do a great job in portraying two starkly different characters. 

The story follows Linda Liddle played by Rachel McAdams, an office worker seen as an outcast by all of her co-workers and her douchy new boss Bradley Preston, played by Dylan O’Brien.

They have a complex relationship throughout the film, and even though neither of them are likable. It’s enjoyable watching them struggle and thrive in their unique situation.

The film is by no means perfect, but for potential viewers that are looking for a short film that’s a little bloody and wacky, they should check out “Send Help.”

— Michael Pacheco