SEND HELP (Sam Raimi, 2026)

I saw this yesterday and immediately wished I’d seen it in 3D. Though not the most profound film showing right now, it’s certainly not shallow, and gallops along nicely while hitting a lot of right notes and sticking the landing. Coming back to his roots like he never left, Sam Raimi’s skilled direction is lean and mean (and shot for the same budget as Melania). Brutal and brutally funny, at times it veers into territory that reminded me of John Waters early films. There are a number of things that push this film into classic territory:

> an intense score from Danny Elfman, complete with ominous bass drops and other tension-inducing motifs. It’s impressive how far he’s grown and adapted since his early Nina Rota circus soundtracks, especially considering how ubiquitous he’s become lately.

> a script that creates the perfect host of characters, from the most 2D bro business jerks to the surprisingly nuanced lead characters, one who isn’t completely shitty, and the other who isn’t completely…competent. Also, the twists and reveals and stacked and beautifully hidden in plain sight. Watching this world the writers have created unfold in front of us feels brisk but convincing.

> a lightness of touch and frightening efficiency in telling the tale by Mr. Raimi, who’s relevance to current cinema is a greater than many of his more lukewarm peers.

Recommended as a break from the stresses of reality or if you approve of what you see in this preview.

https://youtu.be/R4wiXj9NmEE?si=VhtBvz0i7F5yq2Io