TorTR #714 - Violent Entanglements
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Trick or Treat Radio's Episode #714, 'Violent Entanglements,' opens with a satirical critique of a Guinness World Records attempt for the largest gathering of Michael Myers cosplayers in Boston, mocking the use of flimsy masks over authentic Don Post designs. The bulk of the episode centers on Sam Raimi’s long-awaited return to directing with *Send Help*, a psychological horror-survival thriller starring Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien. The hosts enthusiastically explore the film’s bold thematic core—power reversal, corporate oppression, and personal liberation—highlighting McAdams’ transformative performance as Linda, a meek office worker who flourishes on a deserted island while her entitled boss, Bradley, crumbles under survival pressure. While praising the film’s dark comedy, social commentary, and immersive atmosphere, they critique the subpar CGI, particularly in the plane crash sequence, and debate the controversial, ambiguous ending that some feel undermines character consistency. Subtle Easter eggs, including Bruce Campbell’s portrait and the iconic Delta 88 car, delight longtime fans. The episode closes with a heartfelt tribute to the Make a Film Foundation, celebrating its mission to help terminally ill children create films, underscoring storytelling’s healing power. The hosts then shift to lighthearted banter, marveling at MZ’s staggering film-watching pace of 1.4 movies per day, joking about absurd casting choices, and encouraging listener engagement ahead of the next film, *Dolly*, available on VOD.
Sam Raimi’s return with *Send Help* is celebrated as a bold, thematically rich blend of psychological horror, dark comedy, and survival thriller, with Rachel McAdams delivering a standout performance.
The film’s central narrative of power reversal—Linda’s rise from meek office worker to empowered survivor—serves as a sharp critique of patriarchal and corporate hierarchies.
Despite strong performances and immersive storytelling, the film is let down by poor CGI and a rushed, controversial ending that divides audience reactions.
Subtle Raimi Easter eggs and Danny Elfman’s tonally fitting score enhance the film’s appeal for longtime fans.
The Make a Film Foundation’s mission to grant filmmaking dreams to children with life-threatening illnesses is highlighted as a powerful real-world counterpart to the episode’s fictional themes.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Michael Myers Record Debacle
“People were obviously handing out these fucking flimsy, stupid-looking masks by the organizers to beef up the numbers.”
Sam Raimi’s Return with *Send Help*
“She's not psychotic. No, no, no, no. I don't think she is. I don't think she's psychotic. She was pushed. And there's a difference.”
The Power of Practical Effects vs. CGI
A critical discussion on the film’s reliance on CGI, particularly in the plane crash sequence, with the hosts lamenting the lack of practical effects and comparing it unfavorably to Raimi’s classic work like *Evil Dead*.
The Make a Film Foundation & the Healing Power of Storytelling
“We believe the art of filmmaking is not only healing and therapeutic, but also offers hope and build self-esteem.”
Linda's Power Shift and the Humor of Opposite Roles
“She's got everything under control. And basically she's got him under control too until a certain point.”
“She's not psychotic. No, no, no, no. I don't think she is. I don't think she's psychotic. She was pushed. And there's a difference.”
“We believe the art of filmmaking is not only healing and therapeutic, but also offers hope and build self-esteem.”
“People were obviously handing out these fucking flimsy, stupid-looking masks by the organizers to beef up the numbers.”
Hosts
Guests
Sam Raimi
person
Rachel McAdams
person
Dylan O'Brien
person
Linda
person
Michael Myers
other
Bradley
person
MZ
person
Make a Film Foundation
organization
Bruce Campbell
person
The Black Gondola
media
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