Send Help
- Gus Keller
- 21 hours ago
- 1 min read
Send Help legitimizes camp. Though stale, its catchy premise is optimized. The sympathetic protagonist plus despicable antagonist develop contrasting layers (propelled by earned scenes of intimacy). This invites themes of classism, abuse, self-reliance, and power. After stagnating slightly, the plot twists in the final act. Centered around a dynamic relationship, it builds internal conflicts to pronounced arcs in its wicked conclusion. There's setup/payoff as well as dark humor. Elevating everything, the acting adds personality, range (from vulnerabilities to intensity), growth, physicality, and chemistry. Therefore, Send Help is flamboyant fun buoyed by proper substance.
Technically, Send Help nails a horror comedy tone (with cartoonish flourishes). Framing, shallow focus, dramatic lighting, and skewed angles heighten the imagery. Despite a repetitive middle, its editing uses flashy dissolves, montages, and a memorable match cut inside a tight runtime. Proactive distortions as well as genre elements enliven the soundscape. A foreshadowed needle drop caps off its ranged musical score. The production design offers characterized wardrobes in an exotic setting. McAdams' wonderfully against-type role defines its cast. The wonky effects are forgivable given its goofy style plus over-the-top violence. Overall, Send Help harnesses playful skill.
Writing: 8/10
Direction: 8/10
Cinematography: 8/10
Acting: 9/10
Editing: 8/10
Sound: 9/10
Score/Soundtrack: 8/10
Production Design: 8/10
Casting: 8/10
Effects: 7/10
Overall Score: 8.1/10
Comments