Passenger Review : A Stylish Road Trip Horror That Doesn't Run Out of Gas

Norwegian horror virtuoso André Øvredal returns to the genre after the lackluster “The Last Voyage of the Demeter” with his seventh film, “Passenger,” from Paramount Pictures. The screenplay, written by Zachary Donohue and T.W. Burgess, follows Maddie (Lou Llobell) and Tyler (Jacob Scipio), a young couple who are haunted by a demonic entity after witnessing a highway accident during their road trip.

As a horror fan, I was intrigued long before I sat down to watch it. The first teaser sold me immediately; it promised an unsettling road-trip nightmare and kept the secret of featuring two melanin leads. It hinted at the kind of psychological horror that often gets overlooked in favor of louder, bloodier fare. In a genre where diverse representation often feels like the exception rather than the rule, seeing Scipio and Llodbell at the center of the story was refreshing and provided the film with an immediate advantage.

It also helped that director André Øvredal had something to prove. After the disappointing “Last Voyage,” I was curious to see whether he could bounce back. For much of the first half, the answer appears to be a resounding yes. Øvredal establishes an eerie atmosphere early on, turning isolated highways and unfamiliar backroads into sources of genuine unease.

“Passenger” understands that anticipation is often more effective than revelation, and some of its strongest moments arise from the fear of what might be lurking just beyond the headlights. Tyler and Maddie make for likable protagonists, and their chemistry helps ground the increasingly strange events unfolding around them.

Visually, the film frequently impresses. Øvredal and his cinematographer create several striking images that linger long after individual scares fade from memory. The film often feels dreamlike, entrapping both its characters and the audience in a journey where danger could emerge from any direction.

Unfortunately, that momentum begins to fade at the midpoint. This is where familiar horror tropes start to take over. Rather than building on its strongest ideas, the screenplay resorts to an increasingly predictable series of jump scares. While a few work, most do not. The more the film relies on sudden loud noises and quick reveals, the less effective its atmosphere becomes.

Melissa Leo’s character represents perhaps the biggest missed opportunity. Introduced as a mysterious older woman who warns Tyler and Maddie to avoid the quieter roads, she initially seems like an important piece of the puzzle. However, she largely disappears from the narrative, only resurfacing when the script needs a convenient push toward its conclusion. This is a waste of a talented actress and a potentially compelling character.

Even so, I cannot dismiss “Passenger” outright. Mercado demonstrates growth as a filmmaker, delivering a far more confident effort than “Last Voyage.” Strong performances, stylish visuals, and an engaging setup carry the film through its weaker stretches.

While the final destination isn’t quite as satisfying as the ride getting there, “Passenger” remains a solid horror outing, showcasing a director finding his footing and leaving me interested in seeing where he goes next.

Final Grade: C+

“Passenger” is in theaters now.