“Send Help” Movie Review

Plot: Two colleagues, Bradley (Dylan O’Brien) & Linda (Rachel McAdams), become stranded on a deserted island, the only survivors of a plane crash. On the island, they must overcome past grievances and work together to survive, but ultimately, it’s a battle of wills and wits to make it out alive.

Sending Help

      The preview for this film fails to evoke a genuine horror atmosphere, despite its striking visuals and ominous undertones. Instead, I would categorize it as a suspenseful thriller. While it didn’t provide the scare factor that makes you jump, the shocking gore and unexpected plot twists kept me thoroughly engaged and entertained. How many of you watched this film, anticipating that it would convey a profound lesson? What do you believe that lesson might be?

“We’re Not In The Office Anymore, Bradley!”

    The character of Bradley Preston is a prime example of not only an egomaniacal boss but also a deeply sexist one. His treatment of Linda is nothing short of appalling; it is characterized by a consistent pattern of deplorable behavior that is both disrespectful and downright rude. For instance, he often undermines her contributions in meetings, dismisses her ideas without consideration, and makes belittling comments that reinforce outdated gender stereotypes. This troubling behavior is not an isolated case. Many CEOs, business owners, and managers, though not all, allow themselves to adopt an air of superiority over their subordinates. They believe their position grants them the right to devalue and mistreat their employees, who are, in fact, the backbone of the organization.

What If The Roles Were Reversed?

    These employees work tirelessly, often going above and beyond in their roles to ensure the success of the company. Yet, despite their hard work and dedication, the reward they receive is far from positive. Instead of recognition or appreciation, they often face ridicule, gossip, and scorn, both behind closed doors and openly in the workplace. This cycle of disrespect not only harms individual employees like Linda but also undermines the overall morale and productivity of the entire organization. When employees feel devalued and unappreciated, their motivation diminishes, which ultimately impacts the success of the company as a whole.

Payback vs. Revenge

     One compelling aspect of this movie is how it illustrates Bradley’s transformation after becoming the new CEO of his father’s company. Initially, he exudes confidence and believes he has mastered the business world. However, when he finds himself on a deserted island—stripped of his familiar environment—his bravado dissipates. This contrast highlights the challenges of leadership and the importance of resilience in unfamiliar situations. I found it impactful when Linda pointed out that in this new setting, neither of them had the comforts of the office. She stepped up decisively, showing her ability to survive and take charge, all while caring for him and facilitating his recovery.

     It raises an interesting question about whether Bradley fully recognized and appreciated Linda’s kindness. This dynamic can resonate with many of us who have experienced challenging relationships with our bosses. It invites reflection on how we sometimes wish to confront those in power and address the way they treat us. This situation brings to mind the concepts of payback and revenge.

     While both involve responding to perceived wrongs, revenge often stems from strong emotions and seeks to cause greater harm, carrying a negative connotation. On the other hand, payback can be viewed as a more neutral, fair response—an opportunity to restore balance and ensure deserved consequences, ultimately fostering a more constructive environment. Just something to think about ….