The intense, emotional thriller The Passenger is set to be released this week, and I had the opportunity to check it out. Don’t worry. I’m not going to spoil anything for you. This is a spoiler-free review.
The film centers on a shy, passive young man who is forced to face his fears and confront his troubled past and must find a way to survive when his co-worker snaps and goes on a violent killing spree, dragging him along for the ride.
Directed by Carter Smith from the script by Jack Stanley, the film stars Kyle Gallner (Smile) and Johnny Berchtold (“Tiny Beautiful Things”), as well as Liza Weil, Billy Slaughter, and Morgan Shaw.
After watching the trailer, my curiosity peaked, and I’m so glad it did. As I watched the film’s events, I was sucked in, something that doesn’t often happen these days, and for its entire run time, I was completely invested.
Director Carter Smith did an incredible job with The Passenger, which is very different from his horror film The Ruins. He brought the characters to life and delivered a film that will keep you on the edge of your seat. And with society in its current state, The Passenger feels real. This could actually happen, making the film even more intense. I even shed a few tears at the end. After watching it, I really wanted to talk to Smith about his film. Luckily, he agreed and sat down with me for an interview.
Kyle Gallner and Johnny Berchtold give incredible performances in this well-written, expertly executed film with great timing, leaving me invested in each character. Somehow, even though one character is weak and one is borderline psychotic, the characters both pull your heartstrings and leave you cheering for them to survive.
The Passenger is a must-see, a fantastic blend of action, horrors, and heart! Luckily, you don’t have to wait long to see it. It is out on DVD and Digital on August 4, 2023, from Paramount Pictures ahead of its release on MGM+ later this year.
