Huge life changes, such as leaving everything behind and taking on the roads in an RV, are scary because of the unknown answers and possibilities. No one would expect this nerve-wracking journey to become even more terrifying, but director André Øvredal has other plans. In “Passenger,” a road trip escalates into a nightmare of pursuit and fear.
The main characters, Tyler and Maddie, played by Jacob Scipio and Lou Llobell, are a newly engaged couple hoping to start fresh on an RV trip. While on the road, a deadly accident occurs right in front of them. The crash scene felt eerie, as the couple unknowingly became connected to a supernatural being after stopping to explore the scene.
As the characters have a close relationship, the audience forms an attachment to their story. Their chemistry makes viewers emotionally invested in their survival, adding additional fear to each encounter with the creature. The actors’ realistic portrayal of fear, confusion and desperation make the characters’ reactions feel believable during the film.
This movie effectively creates tension and suspense through the dark and lonely settings of each scene. These places, including isolated diners and dark forests in a cramped RV, make viewers feel uneasy about the creature’s location. “Passenger” utilizes traditional horror movie thrills and pursuits to create fear of what could be lurking in the shadows.
The movie starts out peacefully, establishing the characters and their first experiences on the road. Once the crash happens, the audience joins them in their confusion and fear, putting the pieces together alongside them. The introduction of the creature speeds up the plot, mirroring the rush and terror the characters experienced.
While “Passenger” stays true to the classic supernatural horror movie structure, with its gory details and thrilling close calls, it felt a little predictable at times. There were also some unanswered questions, one example being about the creature’s origins. These do not ruin the movie, but they keep it from reaching full marks.
For viewers looking for an adrenaline rush and a plot full of suspense, “Passenger” is a great choice. It may not be anything completely new to the horror genre, but it is entertaining and succeeds in scaring its audience. Taking all of this into consideration, the movie earns a strong 4/5 stars.
