Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien are putting their survival skills to the test in their new horror film, Send Help.
The trailer, which was released in October 2025, showcases their thrilling performances as colleagues Bradley Preston and Linda Liddle, respectively. The characters clash in more ways than one when they find themselves stranded on a deserted island, left to fend for themselves.
“I found the two lead characters, Linda and Bradley, to be complex, human and constantly at odds with each other in often conflicting situations,” director Sam Raimi told Entertainment Weekly amid the trailer’s release. “The pitch was outrageous and original, all the while tracking these two in their conflict as their power dynamic changed dramatically. I knew right away that I wanted to direct this picture.”
Scroll below for everything to know about Send Help.
What Is ‘Send Help’ About?
Send Help chronicles Linda and her rocky relationship with her boss, Bradley — the only two survivors of a catastrophic plane crash.
“On the island, they must overcome past grievances and work together to survive, but ultimately, it’s a battle of wills and wits to make it out alive,” per the official synopsis.
What Happens in the ‘Send Help’ Trailer?
The trailer gives a glimpse of the fiery accident that leads to Linda finding Bradley’s body washed up on the shore of the island. While Bradley is knocked out cold for a day and a half, Linda quickly springs into action, building a shelter, hunting, fishing and starting a fire.
“Let’s not forget I’m your boss! You work for me,” Bradley shouts after waking up, to which Linda responds, “We’re not in the office anymore, Bradley.”
Linda is certain “no help is coming” and that she and Bradley will “have to accept that this is how things are now.” One clip sees McAdams covered in blood after beheading a pig and threatening O’Brien’s character with a knife.
“Once trapped on the island, Rachel’s character knows that she needs protein to survive,” Raimi teased to EW of the terrifying scene. “Time to bring home the bacon!”
A montage of chill-inducing clips features O’Brien and McAdams submerged in water, screaming, crying and giving Us heart palpitations.
“I don’t think we should ever leave!” Linda is heard saying in a haunting tone at the end of the trailer.
Fans Reacted to ‘Send Help’ Trailer
The trailer drew nostalgia for some fans who couldn’t help but compare the plot to Misery and Cast Away. Others predicted how the story might end for the two characters.
“I’ve enjoyed basically everything that both Dylan O’ Brian and Rachel McAdams have done and this looks really cool,” one person commented underneath the trailer on YouTube. “I think the obvious outcome is the two of them fighting and ending with one or both of their deaths, but I hope its more complex than that, and that they’re not entirely alone on that island.”
“I’m getting serious Lord of The Flies vibes from this!!!!! And I LOVE it!” another person wrote, referencing the 1954 William Golding novel that sees a group of young boys stranded on an uninhabited island.
Sam Raimi Revealed the Message of the Film
“What I really love about this story is that it’s an underdog tale at its core. Not only is it about survival on a deserted island, but it’s also a story of female empowerment and transformation,” Raimi told EW. “Watching a once-powerful boss find himself dependent on someone he underestimated is satisfying. Our story is universal! We need to encourage our society to treat people with respect and kindness, regardless of status. It’s especially rewarding to see our heroine, Linda, come into her own in such an unexpected environment.”
When Will ‘Send Help’ Be Released?
The film will be released in theaters on January 30, 2026.
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