By Jacob Cameron

“Passenger” is a horror film that taps into the fears of those that travel the highways and byways. The film walks a similar path as films that have come before. But there is enough quality in the film to give it a recommendation.

“Passenger” was directed by André Øvredal, who has done some solid work in the horror genre. He has directed films such as Troll Hunter, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, and The Autopsy of Jane Doe. It tells the story of a young couple named Tyler and Maddie, played by Jacob Scipio and Lou Llobell. The two are living in a refurbished van and traveling across the country together. One night, they witness a car crash, and by extension of stopping to check on the driver, they meet a ghoulish hitchhiker named The Passenger.

Øvredal’s biggest strength as a director is making his films feel atmospheric. Whether it’s the dank and dreary mortuary of Jane Doe or the small town darkness of Scary Stories, Øvredal effectively locks in the viewer. It’s no different with this film. This is very much a folk horror film, and Øvredal makes the road feel like as much of a monster as the titular Passenger. The folk history of the “Passenger” and the roads that it occupies feel like something this couple can not overcome.

Scipio and Llobell have the majority of the screen time, and they both do a good job. The two, as a couple, are there for each other throughout the film. They, refreshingly, face off against the monster as a united front, which feels like a rarity for similar films. There is some subtle commentary regarding those who embrace #VanLife and what that means in today’s world. Mirroring and contrasting the drifters and road warriors of times past.

Not much is revealed about the Passenger; just enough to make it clear that this couple is in trouble. The Passenger has a a ghoulish look; looking like the late great Ozzy Osbourne. Øvredal does a good job of making the Passenger feel like a threat.

The biggest problem with the film is how similar it feels to other road trip horror films. A film that seemed particularly influential to Passenger was 2001’s Jeepers Creepers. There is also the DNA of Joy Ride and The Hitcher present here. Passenger does enough to be it’s own thing; but those that know the influences will see them present in the film.

At the end of the day, this is a film that could have been so much less but it was a decent watch. Good performances, creepy atmosphere, and a few effective scares are present here. The release of this film is quite unfortunate as it is in theaters with the ultra-popular Obsession and the surging Backrooms. There is great danger that this will be lost in the shuffle. But this one is worth a watch; even if Passenger doesn’t measure to the far-reaching quality something like Obsession.

🌟 🌟 🌟 1/2 stars