Thescreescore – Sam Raimi’s latest cinematic offering, Send Help, has captivated audiences and critics alike, not least for its darkly comedic narrative and a morally ambiguous ending that has sparked intense debate. At the heart of this controversy are the film’s stars, Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien, who portray the central figures, Linda Liddle and Bradley Preston. In recent interviews, both actors have offered insightful defenses and interpretations of Linda’s dramatic transformation and the film’s polarizing conclusion, where her character commits a brutal act of revenge and subsequently fabricates her survival story.
The premise of Send Help plunges viewers into a harrowing tale of survival after a plane crash leaves Linda and her cruel boss, Bradley, stranded on a remote island. Linda, armed with unexpected survivalist expertise, finds the power dynamic shifting dramatically in her favor as Bradley, injured and out of his depth, becomes increasingly vulnerable. The film culminates in Linda bludgeoning Bradley to death with a golf club, a shocking act that precedes her return to civilization as a celebrated "sole survivor," a lie she meticulously maintains.
Speaking with The National, Rachel McAdams expressed her profound enjoyment in embodying Linda’s descent into a morally compromised state. She viewed this evolution as a poignant, albeit disturbing, full circle for Linda, transforming her into the very "monster" she initially despised. McAdams acknowledged the film’s clever design to elicit an initial sense of triumph from the audience – a feeling of Linda "getting away with it" – while simultaneously hinting at a deeper, unsettling reflection that might emerge later. "I love those moments when you think you’ve landed on solid ground, and then suddenly the rug is pulled out from under you," McAdams revealed. "I loved that this movie had a few of those, when suddenly you feel sick to your stomach. She’s turned rotten, you know? It’s such a rollercoaster."
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Dylan O’Brien, who plays the ill-fated Bradley, offered a nuanced perspective on his character’s demise during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. Despite Bradley having saved Linda’s life earlier in the film, O’Brien firmly believes his character’s violent end was not undeserved, particularly given Linda’s documented history as a survivor of abuse. He highlighted the film’s brilliance in deliberately blurring the lines of audience allegiance, making it unclear whether viewers should champion Linda or Bradley. O’Brien playfully remarked, "She could have just broken his nose at the end. (Laughs.) We don’t fully know what happened. That’s part of what’s fun about the movie. For me, personally, I ride for Linda. It’s not that I don’t also ride for Bradley, but it’s been really interesting to hear the various reactions that people have. I have been very surprised to hear how many people are like, ‘Well, Linda is a murderer.’ And I’m like, ‘Well, yeah, but she was abused.’"
O’Brien further elaborated on the rich, debatable texture of the characters’ choices, noting how the film is "clearly already drawing sides, but I love that it isn’t so clear cut. I love that it isn’t a black-and-white dynamic. We were conscious while making it that you may be siding with Bradley over Linda at some point in the film, but it’s very interesting to see that scale tip back and forth. It’s one of the most fun parts about the movie." He also defended Linda’s decision to conceal the truth of the island events, arguing that returning to her former life of mistreatment and disregard would be a fate worse than death. "Linda has lived her life as somebody who nobody pays an ounce of attention or respect to whatsoever, so I get why she desperately doesn’t want to go back to that world," O’Brien explained, emphasizing the "barbaric places" she goes to, and the sympathy one can feel for her refusal to revert to her "prison" of an old existence.
Ultimately, O’Brien hopes that viewers resist forming rigid allegiances to either character, acknowledging that both Linda and Bradley are deeply flawed individuals making selfish choices. He stressed that the film’s themes transcend a simple gender conflict, aiming for a more universal exploration of human dynamics. "I hope that there’s no team anyone, to be honest, and I also hope that there’s no gender factor in it. Sam and Rachel were very conscious about not wanting to be too heavy handed [regarding] women versus men in the workplace. It’s more universal than that. It’s a human thing. Anybody can relate to being on the short side of this dynamic in a human society." He cited a poignant scene where Linda clutches her self-made backpack and gathered food, a stark reminder of how her old world failed to value her, underscoring her desperate fight to cling to her newfound autonomy. "I love watching flawed characters. I love that both of these characters can be the protagonist and easily be the antagonist. I love movies like that. They’re rarer and rarer nowadays."
The critical reception for Send Help largely echoes the actors’ sentiments regarding its complex morality. Thescreescore.com’s own review by Todd Gilchrist lauded McAdams’ "very skillful choice" in portraying Linda as sympathetic yet not entirely likable, creating an "ambiguous heroine opposite the obvious villainy." This delicate balance has resonated widely, contributing to the film’s "Certified Fresh" 93% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with many critics commending the satisfying, albeit unsettling, resolutions for both Linda and Bradley.
As O’Brien aptly summarized, Send Help‘s refusal to present a clear-cut hero ensures its broader appeal, transforming it into a profound examination of power shifts and the intricate moral quandaries inherent in human nature. Through shocking, gruesome, and often darkly comedic lenses, the film masterfully provokes thought and discussion, solidifying its place as a compelling and unique entry in Sam Raimi’s illustrious filmography.
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