Dylan O’Brien Unfazed by Public Opinion on ‘Send Help’
Dylan O’Brien recently shared insights about his experiences filming the survival thriller “Send Help,” which highlights both his acting prowess and personal journey in Hollywood. The film, directed by Sam Raimi, marks Raimi’s return to original filmmaking after 17 years and showcases O’Brien in the role of Bradley Preston.
Dylan O’Brien on ‘Send Help’ and Public Opinion
Set against the backdrop of Thailand’s beaches, “Send Help” is a unique blend of humor, horror, and survival. O’Brien stars alongside Rachel McAdams, who plays Linda Liddle, an employee at Bradley’s father’s company. Their characters find themselves stranded on a deserted beach after a plane crash, where they must navigate their survival together.
Creative Challenges and Character Development
During production, O’Brien and Raimi had creative discussions about his character’s personality. O’Brien wanted to portray Bradley as more unlikable, concerned about the industry’s tendencies to prioritize likability in characters. “It’s certainly not lost on me that it was definitely the best job that’s come my way in a really long time,” O’Brien remarked, emphasizing his deep connection to the role.
- Character Name: Bradley Preston
- Co-star: Rachel McAdams as Linda Liddle
- Director: Sam Raimi
- Film Genre: Gory survival thriller
- Filming Location: Beaches of Thailand
Industry Reflections and Career Insights
O’Brien’s remarks reflect his evolution as an actor. He mentioned feeling disillusioned with blockbuster films, reflecting on the industry’s reliance on CGI over storytelling. Despite this, “Send Help” captures the essence of what he misses about filmmaking—bold character choices and strong narratives. “Why are we so afraid to just lean into that?” he questioned, highlighting a desire for risk-taking in contemporary cinema.
As “Send Help” approaches its theatrical release, O’Brien is also mindful of the challenges facing independent films. His recent work in “Twinless” has garnered critical acclaim but struggled with marketing and distribution. “It’s hard to not look back and be like, ‘Wow, what would it have been like if it was really put out there?’” he expressed, underscoring the importance of effective promotion for smaller projects.
The Path Forward for O’Brien
Looking ahead, O’Brien emphasizes the importance of meaningful roles over commercial viability. While he is excited about the marketing support for “Send Help,” he remains cautious about returning to the studio system in the future. “This was a unicorn of a job,” he concluded, eager to explore diverse storytelling opportunities that align with his creative vision.
With “Send Help” set to premiere in theaters soon, O’Brien’s journey in the film industry continues to captivate audiences. The film represents a return to form for both its players and its director, embodying the spirit of risk-taking in modern cinema.
