The entertainment industry often presents strange coincidences, but the recent simultaneous releases of films starring Rachel McAdams and Lacey Chabert have sparked particular interest. Both actresses, forever linked by their iconic roles in the 2004 hit Mean Girls, found themselves at the center of films with remarkably similar premises in early . While one, Rachel McAdams’ Send Help, quickly topped the box office as a thrilling survival horror, the other, Lacey Chabert’s Lost in Paradise, offered a predictably quaint romance on Hallmark+. The surprising parallel? Both films center around characters stranded on a deserted island.
Send Help, directed by Sam Raimi and lauded by critics – CinemaBlend gave it a 4 out of 5-star review – has been described as a throwback to the Evil Dead era. It’s a far cry from the romantic comedies Chabert typically headlines, yet the core narrative shares striking similarities with Lost in Paradise. As one observer noted, the premise could “easily veer into romantic comedy/drama territory.” The unexpected overlap has prompted a closer look at just how much these two films have in common.
The connection begins with the setup. Both stories involve protagonists unexpectedly marooned on an island following a plane crash. In Send Help, Rachel McAdams plays Laura Liddle, an aspiring Survivor contestant, while Lacey Chabert’s Sophia in Lost in Paradise is the founder of a high-end fashion company. Though their initial relationships differ – Laura and her fellow castaway Bradley Preston (Dylan O’Brien) begin as employer and employee, while Sophia and chef Max (Ian Harding) are strangers – both are forced to rely on each other for survival.
The parallels extend beyond the initial premise. Both films feature a crucial early step: constructing a large “HELP” signal on the beach. In Send Help, this scene is played for comedic effect as Bradley hilariously misspells the message as “HEPL.” Both Laura and Max demonstrate resourcefulness, crafting tools and weapons for survival, including spears for fishing. A shared penchant for sun protection also emerges, with both women taking precautions while their male counterparts suffer sunburns. Both characters also fashion hats from palm fronds.
Interestingly, both Laura and Sophia are revealed to be avid fans of the reality show Survivor. Laura’s extensive preparation for the show proves surprisingly useful in her predicament, while Max’s knowledge feels less integral to their survival. A romantic element also develops in both narratives, with both films featuring a dinner scene where the male character attempts to create a romantic atmosphere for his companion. In Lost in Paradise, Max’s culinary skills naturally lend themselves to this gesture, while Bradley’s attempt in Send Help is…less successful.
Perhaps the most significant, and spoiler-sensitive, similarity lies in the revelation that the characters are closer to civilization than they initially believe. Both films feature a twist that undermines the sense of complete isolation. And, in a final parallel, both conclude with flash-forward sequences showcasing the protagonists thriving after their island ordeal.
The coincidental similarity between Send Help and Lost in Paradise highlights the enduring power of certain narrative tropes. While Send Help ultimately veers into gruesome horror territory, critics have noted the potential for a romantic subplot, with Mashable observing that “some scenes hint at an enemies-to-lovers arc.” IGN’s review even questioned whether the characters would “kill or kiss each other.” This underlying tension underscores how easily the premise could have shifted into a more conventional romantic comedy.
This isn’t the first time a Hallmark film’s premise has flirted with darker territory. The 2022 Hallmark movie Love in the Villa, for example, initially bore a striking resemblance to the horror hit Barbarian. As one observer pointed out, Hallmark movies sometimes require a degree of suspension of disbelief, as seemingly idyllic scenarios could easily take a turn for the worse.
The simultaneous release of these two films, starring two actresses so closely associated with a beloved comedy like Mean Girls, is a curious case of parallel storytelling. Whether it’s a testament to the enduring appeal of the “stranded on an island” trope or simply a remarkable coincidence, the connection between Send Help and Lost in Paradise is undeniably intriguing. Send Help is currently in theaters, while Lost in Paradise is available for streaming on Hallmark+.
