Sam Raimi Delivers Darkly Humorous Workplace Comedy in ‘Send Help’
In the latest film “Send Help,” directed by Sam Raimi, audiences are treated to a unique blend of dark humor and workplace satire. Scripted by Damian Shannon and Mark Swift, the film combines elements of comedy and horror, showcasing a story set against the backdrop of corporate politics. This marks a significant return for Raimi to R-rated filmmaking after a long hiatus, following notable films like “Drag Me To Hell.”
Plot Overview
The narrative centers on Linda Liddle, portrayed by Rachel McAdams, who is a talented and socially awkward employee in the Strategy and Planning department at Preston Industries. Her impressive skills in data analysis and report creation make her indispensable to the company’s CEO. After seven years of hard work, Linda is hopeful for a promotion to vice president as her boss’s son, Bradley Preston, played by Dylan O’Brien, assumes the role of CEO. However, her aspirations are thwarted when Bradley promotes his frat friend Donovan instead, who has been misappropriating Linda’s work.
Characters and Dynamics
- Rachel McAdams as Linda Liddle: A highly skilled analyst overlooked in favor of her male peers.
- Dylan O’Brien as Bradley Preston: The CEO’s son, who embodies entitlement and gender bias.
- Xavier Samuel as Donovan: The unqualified frat brother who undermines Linda’s contributions.
- Edyll Ismail as Zuri: Bradley’s fiancée, who flaunts her status.
- Dennis Haysbert as Franklin: The only voice of reason advocating for Linda.
Key Themes and Humor
“Send Help” delves into themes of gender dynamics, workplace hierarchies, and survival instincts. As the plot unfolds, a catastrophic event forces the characters onto a deserted island, where their true natures are tested. The film cleverly juxtaposes Linda’s intellect and survival skills against Bradley’s arrogance and ignorance.
A distinctive aspect of the film is its humor—which often takes a darkly comedic turn. Raimi thrives on creating scenarios where the misfortunes of characters elicit both laughter and discomfort. For instance, a pivotal moment occurs when turbulence leads to a catastrophic incident on the company jet, brilliantly setting the stage for the survival narrative. Here, the film takes an unexpected turn, emphasizing the absurdities of workplace culture while exposing the true nature of its characters.
Conclusion
“Send Help” combines thrilling elements with sharp social commentary, making it a relevant film for today’s workforce. Viewers can expect a ride filled with dark humor, unexpected twists, and a critique of gender dynamics in the corporate world. With a runtime of 113 minutes, the film promises to be both entertaining and thought-provoking, reinforcing Sam Raimi’s return to form. It is now showing at various theaters, including AMC Boston Common and Alamo Drafthouse Seaport.
