Send Help Earns $2.2M in Previews Before Friday Debut

Sam Raimi's latest film, Send Help, brought in $2.2 million from Thursday night previews at theaters across the country. The R-rated horror thriller, distributed by Disney and 20th Century Studios, stars Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien as coworkers stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash. It opens in wide release today, Friday, with projections between $14 million and $17 million for the weekend in a box office slowed by winter weather and few big releases.

Background

Send Help marks Sam Raimi's return to directing after his work on Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. The film follows Linda Liddle, played by Rachel McAdams, a shy office worker passed over for a promotion. Her new boss, Bradley Preston, portrayed by Dylan O'Brien, is the spoiled son of the company president. To avoid trouble, he invites her on a business trip to Thailand. Their private jet crashes, leaving them as the only survivors on a remote island.

The story builds from workplace tension into a fight for survival. Linda, a fan of survival shows, finds herself in a real test. Bradley must depend on her skills as old grudges surface. The screenplay comes from Damian Shannon and Mark Swift, known for Freddy vs. Jason. Raimi produces alongside Zainab Azizi, with JJ Hook as executive producer. Danny Elfman composed the score.

Raimi drew from his style of mixing horror with humor. Past films like Drag Me to Hell share similar themes of flawed people facing extreme odds. Production started in January 2025 and wrapped by October. The cast includes Edyll Ismail, Dennis Haysbert, Xavier Samuel, Chris Pang, Thaneth Warakulnukroh, and Emma Raimi.

Key Details

Preview earnings of $2.2 million came from late-night Thursday showings. This figure reflects interest in Raimi's name and the stars, despite the off-season slot. Theaters reported steady attendance from horror fans. Full opening spans thousands of screens nationwide.

Plot and Style

On the island, Linda and Bradley clash over leadership and resources. Early scenes show office dynamics: Linda's awkward attempts to fit in, Bradley's arrogance. Survival turns dark with violence and twists. Raimi adds his touch of over-the-top gore and comedy, called splatstick by some viewers. Blood and mess fly as tensions boil.

McAdams plays Linda as vulnerable yet tough. She handles physical demands, from fights to emotional shifts. O'Brien's Bradley starts as a jerk but shows layers. Their back-and-forth drives the film, with secrets revealed over time.

"By setting the story on a deserted island with only two people, it allowed Damian and Mark to really get deep with these characters," Raimi said. "With no one else to interrupt them, it’s easier to lie to each other or try to pull something over on the other."

Raimi kept his wild style in check to serve the script. Outrageous moments amp up the fun, aiming to spark talk among audiences.

Cast and Crew Highlights

Rachel McAdams, from Doctor Strange, commits fully to Linda's arc. Dylan O'Brien, of Maze Runner, matches her energy. Supporting roles fill out the pre-crash jet scenes. Zainab Azizi pushed the project for its character focus. She took the pitch straight to Raimi.

What This Means

The $2.2 million preview haul signals solid start for a mid-budget thriller. Winter box office lacks blockbusters, so Send Help fills a gap for genre fans. Projections of $14-17 million could rank it top for the weekend. Success might boost Raimi's profile for more originals.

Disney and 20th Century bet on Raimi's draw. Strong previews suggest word-of-mouth potential from gore and laughs. If it hits the high end, it sets up for profit. Analysts watch if horror holds in January, typically slow.

Viewer reactions early on praise the leads and twists. McAdams earns nods for range, O'Brien for unpredictability. The film's contained setting keeps costs down, aiding returns. Broader impact could revive interest in survival stories with workplace twists.

Competition stays light next weeks. Follow-up performance depends on reviews and repeat views. Theaters gear up for crowds seeking thrills amid cold weather. Send Help positions as a key release to kick off 2026 strong.

Raimi's fans expect his signatures: fast camera work, practical effects, moral gray areas. The movie delivers catharsis for office woes through island chaos. Early numbers point to a win, but weekend totals will tell the full story.