Sam Raimi's First R-Rated Horror In 26 Years Astonishingly Returns To The Director's Roots In First Reactions

Send Help astonishingly returns to director Sam Raimi's roots, according to the first reactions for the film. Though he is best known for Tobey Maigure's Spider-Man trilogy (2002–2007), Raimi's roots are in horror, including the Evil Dead trilogy (1981–1992), Darkman (1990), and more. His last R-rated horror movie was The Gift from 2000.

Now, following its world premiere in Hollywood on January 21, the first reactions to Sam Raimi's new horror movie, Send Help, have surfaced online. Overall, the reactions are glowing – calling it everything from chaotic, gory, hilarious, smart, suspenseful, crowd-pleasing, bonkers, and fun – powered by a sharp script and standout performances from Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien. See the reactions below:

ScreenRant's Todd Gilchrist says, "Send Help is a tremendous reminder of how gifted Sam Raimi is at entertaining audiences while tormenting actors. Aided by a fantastic script by @shannonandswift, Raimi delivers a movie that's smart, suspenseful and incredibly funny."

@seejaylewis says, "Send Help is absolutely bonkers in the best way. You never know what’s coming next, and Sam Raimi fully delivers on chaos and thrills. Rachel McAdams is a force to be reckoned with. I absolutely loved every minute of it."

@chriskillian says, "Send Help is everything you’d ever want from a Sam Raimi horror movie: disturbing, campy, extremely gory, and funny as hell. Rachel and Dylan are a dream team & just beat the total shit out of each other. For extra fun - Bring someone who’s squeamish and have a blast."

@jeffconway says, "SEND HELP is a must-see movie in theaters! It has everything: great comedy, suspense, drama & horror! Rachel McAdams gives a career best performance! Dylan O’Brien is so good in this easy crowd-pleaser from Sam Raimi’s witty cinematic vision! RUN, don’t walk to see Send Help!"

Translated from Thai, @WatchLot writes, "The movie that brings back the raw, brutal, hilarious, and savage form of Sam Raimi. It bites hard into labor society and the working life with maximum annoyance and stinging pain. The pacing is absolutely insane — a perfect mix of comedy, thriller, and romance that blends together so seamlessly. Office workers NEED to see this, and the surprises are off the charts. The less you know going in, the more fun it is #movietwit"

@howardshum says, "I saw Send Help by Sam Raimi tonight. If you like Raimi, check it when it comes out!"

Directed by Sam Raimi, with a script written by Damian Shannon and Mark Swift, Send Help stars Rachel McAdams as an office employee and Dylan O'Brien as her boss, who become stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash and desperately fight for survival as tensions rise between them.

Overall, the first reactions suggest that Send Help is a wild return to Sam Raimi's most unhinge and crowd-pleasing instincts. Viewers praise its sharp, funny script and relentless suspense, calling it chaotic in the best way. It's described as gory, campy, and unpredictable – constantly keeping audiences off balance while delivering big laughs alongside genuine thrills.

Much of the praise centers on the performances, especially Rachel McAdams', who is repeatedly called a standout and even a "career best." Her chemistry with Dylan O'Brien is called intense, brutal, and darkly funny. Reactions also note Raimi's fast, insane pacing and clever themes about work and power, urging audiences to see Send Help fresh, knowing as little as possible.