Send Help Delivers Cathartic Workplace Revenge Fantasy
For every employee who has ever fantasised about giving their incompetent boss a taste of their own medicine, the new survival comedy Send Help offers the perfect cinematic wish-fulfilment. Directed by horror maestro Sam Raimi, this delightfully deranged film pairs Oscar-nominee Rachel McAdams with Dylan O'Brien in what proves to be an unexpectedly brilliant comedic duo.
A Corporate Nightmare Takes a Wild Turn
McAdams plays Linda Liddle, a dedicated yet socially awkward planning manager at a corporate firm. Following the death of the company's long-serving CEO, Linda expects to be promoted to vice president—a position she was practically promised. However, her hopes are brutally dashed when the late boss's entitled son, Bradley (O'Brien), takes over and promotes his unqualified college friend Donovan instead.
Donovan, played with smarmy charm by Xavier Samuel, routinely forces Linda to complete his work while claiming all the credit. After a justified meltdown over being overlooked, Linda is invited to join Bradley, Donovan, and other staff on a business trip to Bangkok to finalise a crucial acquisition deal.
From Boardroom to Deserted Island
The journey takes a catastrophic turn when their plane crashes into the ocean near a remote Thai island. Linda and Bradley are the sole survivors, stranded together in a lush but dangerous environment. As it turns out, Linda is a skilled survivalist, while Bradley is utterly helpless. When he attempts to assert his authority, he quickly learns that, in this new reality, Linda is the captain now.
The film cleverly shifts from a corporate satire to a tense survival thriller, infused with Raimi's signature style—expect plenty of blood, gore, and uncomfortably close shots of food. Yet, at its core, Send Help remains a sharp comedy, with McAdams and O'Brien displaying electric timing and fearless commitment to their roles.
Modern Twist on Classic Revenge Fantasies
Much like 9 to 5 captured the frustrations of office workers in the 1980s, Send Help provides a cathartic outlet for modern employees disillusioned with corporate hierarchies. Linda's gradual takeover of their dire situation allows audiences to live vicariously through her glorious triumph over an incompetent superior.
The film benefits greatly from Danny Elfman's quirky score, which amplifies both the humour and thrills. Additionally, eagle-eyed viewers will recognise several Sydney locations, including Disney Studios at Moore Park, Brent Street dance studio's playground, and the majestic trees of Centennial Park.
While the island scenes, filmed in Thailand, evoke memories of Lost, Send Help carves its own unique identity as an uproarious and suspenseful comedy. Don't miss this one if you're a fan of either lead or simply crave a satisfying tale of workplace comeuppance.
