Synopsis
“The Passenger” is a 2023 American horror film directed by Carter Smith and written by Jack Stanley. It stars Kyle Gallner, Johnny Berchtold, and Liza Weil, with Jason Blum serving as an executive producer through his Blumhouse Television banner.
The film follows Randy, a fast-food worker who is perpetually unseen and unheard. His life is turned upside down when his co-worker, Benson, goes on a violent rampage, killing everyone in the restaurant except Randy. Forced to flee with Benson, Randy embarks on a strange, unsettling road trip that forces him to confront his dark past.
Cast
- Kyle Gallner as Randy
- Johnny Berchtold as Benson
- Liza Weil as Clara
- David Morse as Sheriff Bill
- Caroline Chikezie as Tanya
- Cynthia Erivo as Janessa
- Jesse Moss as Zach
- Griffin Newman as Nate
Crew
- Director: Carter Smith
- Screenwriter: Jack Stanley
- Producer: Jason Blum
- Executive Producer: Michael Clear
- Cinematographer: Ben Loeb
- Editor: Chris Donado
- Composer: Keegan DeWitt
Release Date: August 4, 2023 (digital)
Story: Randy, a meek and invisible fast-food worker, is stuck in a rut. He feels unseen and unheard, both at work and in his personal life. One night, his co-worker Benson goes on a violent rampage, killing everyone in the restaurant except Randy. Forced to flee with Benson, Randy finds himself on a strange, unsettling road trip that forces him to confront his dark past.
As they travel, Benson becomes increasingly erratic and violent. Randy is forced to question everything he thought he knew about himself and the world around him. He must find a way to survive Benson’s increasingly dangerous outbursts and escape from their twisted road trip.
Review: “The Passenger” is a stylish and suspenseful thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. The film is well-acted, with strong performances from Gallner and Berchtold. The cinematography is also impressive, creating a sense of unease and claustrophobia.
The film’s story is complex and thought-provoking. It explores themes of identity, invisibility, and violence. The film is not afraid to ask tough questions about the human condition, and it leaves you with a lot to think about long after the credits roll.
Critical Response: “The Passenger” has received generally positive reviews from critics. It has a 71% score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 61 reviews, with an average rating of 6.4/10. The critical consensus states: “The Passenger’s occasional violence and ambiguous ending may not be for everyone, but its stylish atmosphere, strong performances, and thought-provoking themes make it a worthwhile journey.”
Three Life Lessons
- Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself. Randy spends most of his life being invisible and unheard. But when Benson’s rampage forces him to confront his fears, he learns to stand up for himself and take control of his own destiny.
- It’s never too late to change. Randy has made some mistakes in his past. But as he travels with Benson, he has the opportunity to learn from his mistakes and become a better person.
- You are not alone. Even though Randy feels invisible, he eventually learns that there are people who care about him and want to help him.
Conclusion: “The Passenger” is a thought-provoking and suspenseful film that will stay with you long after you’ve seen it. It is a well-made film with strong performances and a complex story. If you are looking for a thriller that will make you think, then “The Passenger” is definitely worth checking out.
Where to Stream: “The Passenger” is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
