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A newly engaged couple’s fresh start takes a terrifying turn in “Passenger,” director André Øvredal’s suspenseful supernatural horror film about an RV journey consumed by pursuit and fear.
Tyler and Maddie, played by Jacob Scipio and Lou Llobell, leave their old lives behind to begin again on the road. Their peaceful trip unravels when a deadly crash occurs directly in front of them. After stopping to investigate the eerie wreckage, they unknowingly become linked to a supernatural creature.
The couple’s close bond gives the danger emotional weight. Scipio and Llobell share convincing chemistry, making it easy to care about Tyler and Maddie’s survival. Their portrayals of fear, confusion and desperation also help ground the increasingly frightening encounters.
Dark, lonely settings intensify the tension. Isolated diners, shadowy forests and the cramped interior of the RV leave the characters—and viewers—wondering where the creature might appear next. The film draws on familiar horror devices, including bloody details, relentless chases and narrow escapes, to maintain a steady sense of unease.
“Passenger” begins quietly, allowing time to establish the couple and their early experiences on the road. The crash abruptly changes that pace. From there, viewers piece together the mystery alongside Tyler and Maddie, while the creature’s arrival sends the story racing forward.
The film follows a recognizable supernatural-horror structure and occasionally becomes predictable. It also leaves some questions unresolved, including the creature’s origins. Those shortcomings prevent it from earning top marks, but they do not derail the experience.
For viewers seeking an adrenaline rush and a suspense-heavy story, “Passenger” delivers an entertaining ride. It may not break new ground in the genre, but it succeeds at frightening its audience and earns a strong 4 out of 5 stars.