Sam Raimi’s First Horror Movie In 16 Years Is Coming, But One BTS Detail Is Keeping Me From Being Completely Over The Moon

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Whenever Sam Raimi says he’s made a new horror film, it’s big news. He practically created his own style of horror, starting with the hugely influential ’80s movie *The Evil Dead*, which launched a famous series. He’s given us memorable scares like demonic goats in *Drag Me to Hell* and is known for making his camera work feel like a character itself. Now, after a 16-year gap (and his work on *Doctor Strange 2* doesn’t really fit the bill), he’s returning to horror with *Send Help*. I’m excited, but there’s one important thing holding me back from being completely thrilled.

What I’m Excited About

The basic idea behind this movie is fantastic. It stars Rachel McAdams – you probably know her from *The Notebook* – and Dylan O’Brien as colleagues who get stuck on a deserted island after a company trip goes wrong. Once they crash, the usual office drama turns intense, and McAdams quickly takes charge. The trailer shows the director’s familiar style and hints at a mix of *Cast Away* and *Misery*. If the slapstick comedy and chaotic energy are anything to go by, it looks like a wild and unpredictable ride – exactly what fans want from this director.

The actors in this film are a major draw, and I’m especially thrilled to see Rachel McAdams back in a leading role. She hasn’t had many recent parts that truly showcase her talent – particularly her role in *Multiverse of Madness* felt underutilized. It’s fantastic to see her return to horror, a genre she excels in. It’s been two decades since *Red Eye*, a film that still impresses, and she seems perfectly suited to play a resourceful and determined survivor once again.

I don’t know Dylan O’Brien’s work very well, but he seems perfectly cast as someone irritating in this role. I’m interested to see if the director, Sam Raimi, creates a situation where we constantly switch between sympathizing with the shy assistant and the terrible boss as the story progresses.

But then a little voice of doubt creeps in, and honestly, it’s making me a bit anxious.

Why I’m More Nervous About Send Help Than I’d Like

The biggest concern with this project, without even seeing it yet, is the writing team. Damian Shannon and Mark Swift previously worked on Freddy vs. Jason, the 2009 Friday the 13th reboot, and, unfortunately, the 2017 Baywatch reboot. They often aim for spectacle, but their movies usually end up feeling chaotic and over-the-top.

These movies often try to do too much with their tone, and don’t quite pull it off. *Freddy vs. Jason* is enjoyable but feels chaotic, and while *Friday the 13th* has some good parts, it’s all style and no substance. As for *Baywatch*, it clearly aimed for the humor of *21 Jump Street* but completely missed the mark.

That’s why *Send Help* really needs careful attention to detail in all areas beyond the writing itself. Sam Raimi is skilled at mixing dark humor with scary moments, but it’s harder for him to pull that off if the script isn’t solid.

But I’m Still (Cautiously) All In

I’m still unsure about the new movie *Send Help*, but I’m not dismissing it. In fact, I’m hopeful, because Sam Raimi is a master at turning a confusing mix of tones into something fun and engaging. He’s made some truly great horror films, often with a comedic edge. His skill with editing is incredible – he can completely change the feeling of a scene with a quick cut or a clever camera angle. Even if the story isn’t perfect, he can use camera work to make it work.

The director clearly gets the best performances from their actors. Rachel McAdams is fantastic, appearing genuinely joyful while playing a character who is both energetic and a bit unstable. O’Brien delivers a strong performance as well. Because the entire movie takes place in one location, it’s a tightly focused horror film with no wasted scenes. This limited setting is perfect for the director’s style, and I’m really excited to see it released in 2026.

Check Out The Send Help Trailer

The first trailer for *Send Help* was released this week, and it appears Rachel McAdams and James O’Brien were frequently covered in fake blood during filming. It looks like they had a messy, but fun, time!

Send Help crashes into theaters on January 30th, 2026.

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2025-10-15 17:43