Sam Raimi explores workplace power dynamics in survival thriller 'Send Help'

Director Sam Raimi returns to his genre-bending roots with "Send Help," a survival thriller that sees workplace hierarchies flipped on their head when a plane crash strands an overworked employee and her demanding boss on a remote island.

"I hope that the film has an effect on the audience, not knowing who to identify, who's safe to follow," the director said during an online press conference, Monday.

"Is it this woman who seems like our protagonist or is it this man who at first seems like our antagonist, but later we are attracted to? I love the switching back and forth of the audience identification."

Starring Rachel McAdams as Linda and Dylan O’Brien as her boss Bradley, the film explores shifting power dynamics, psychological tension and moral ambiguity in a hostile environment.

Raimi, known for films ranging from the cult classic "The Evil Dead" to the blockbuster "Spider-Man" trilogy and "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness," returns to his horror roots for this project. He explained that the genre provides a unique sense of catharsis for viewers.

"I think people like facing their fears and even imaginary fears and overcoming them, leaving the theater alive. It's a thrilling experience,” the director said.

McAdams, who has previously starred in films like "The Notebook" and "About Time," underwent a significant transformation for her portrayal of Linda. She described the character as complex and layered, saying that she was attracted by the challenge of the role.

"I was really excited by how juicy this role was, what a transformation Linda goes through," McAdams said. "I always love to go into a character where I'm not quite sure I can accomplish the mission, but it's like maybe just out of reach, so I have to really stretch for it."

She also highlighted the creative freedom provided by Raimi, mentioning a specific long-take scene involving sushi that remained largely unedited in the final cut.

“He would let us do these really long takes. Surprisingly, the sushi scene is an eternity and it's in there. He said he was really proud of that scene because we just sit in it and it takes on a different pace from the rest of the movie."

O'Brien, famous for the "Maze Runner" series, portrays Bradley as a terrible boss who makes life difficult for Linda. He said the chemistry between the two leads was essential for the film's success.

"We were very lucky because that isn't an easy thing," O'Brien said about working with McAdams. "You can't predict that. You can't calculate that. You just kind of get lucky or you don't. We genuinely just had such a lovely time with each other and with Sam, too."

Producer Zainab Azizi added that the relatability of Linda's character was a key factor in developing the project, describing McAdams' role as an "overworked and undervalued" character that many people can identify with.

"Send Help" will hit theaters in Korea Wednesday.