In the supernatural thriller ‘Passenger,’ directed by Andre Ovredal, audiences are taken on a tense journey that intertwines themes of faith and fear. The film follows Tyler (Jacob Scipio) and Maddie (Lou Llobell), who leave behind their bustling life in New York City to embrace the freedom of van life. However, their plans take a dark turn after they encounter a gruesome accident scene and become the target of a sinister entity known as the Passenger.

Faith and the Supernatural

The Passenger, a pasty-faced figure with unclear motives, seems to have a particular aversion to St. Christopher, the patron saint of travelers. This element of faith adds a unique layer to the horror narrative, as the characters navigate their fears and beliefs while being pursued by the malevolent force. Ovredal, known for his precise timing in horror filmmaking, crafts a visually compelling scene where Tyler and Maddie, instead of seeking immediate help, find solace in an impromptu outdoor movie screening of ‘Roman Holiday.’ This moment of cinematic respite is abruptly interrupted by the Passenger, leading to a visually striking sequence where the faces of Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn are projected onto the trees, creating an eerie juxtaposition of romance and horror.

Performance and Storytelling

Despite the film’s tangled script, penned by Zachary Donohue and T.W. Burgess, actors Jacob Scipio and Lou Llobell deliver commendable performances, maintaining a sense of realism amidst the chaos. The screenplay hints at inspirations from other highway horror films like ‘Jeepers Creepers,’ yet strives to carve its own path with unique narrative choices. Melissa Leo appears in a minor role as a kindly nomad, though her talents feel underutilized in the limited screen time.

‘Passenger’ is rated R for its intense scenes of neck-snapping gore, with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. The film is currently showing in theaters, inviting audiences to explore its blend of supernatural thrills and thematic depth.

Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.