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When my local theater announced an early preview of Passenger, I couldn’t contain my excitement. Having been a background extra in the film, I was eager to see the final product and relive the experience of being part of a major production. Although my scene didn’t make the cut, the thrill of seeing the movie on the big screen was still there.

The story follows a young couple, Tyler (Jacob Scipio) and Maddie (Lou Llobell), who set out on a van life adventure. Their journey takes a dark turn when they witness a horrific highway accident. What begins as a tragic incident quickly spirals into a nightmare as they realize they didn’t leave the crash scene alone. A demonic stalker, referred to as “The Passenger” (Joseph Lopez), begins to haunt them, turning their road trip into a relentless fight for survival.

The premise had all the makings of a great horror film — a blend of isolation, supernatural terror, and the open road. Unfortunately, the execution didn’t quite live up to the promise.

The cast did an admirable job with what they were given. Jacob Scipio and Lou Llobell brought authenticity to their roles as a couple unraveling under the weight of fear and desperation. Melissa Leo added a layer of intrigue as Diana, a character who seemed to know more than she let on. Joseph Lopez’s portrayal of the demonic stalker was genuinely unsettling, giving the film its most memorable moments. It’s clear the actors poured their talent into this project, but even the best performances couldn’t salvage a weak script.

Here’s the thing: big studios like Paramount have the resources to hire more screenwriters or bring in additional creative voices to refine a script. Why don’t they? Passenger is a prime example of a film that could have been great with just a little more effort in the writing department. The plot was predictable — almost laughable at times. It leaned so heavily on tired horror clichés that it felt like the filmmakers were checking off a list rather than crafting something fresh.

There were moments where I found myself thinking, “This could have been the start of a franchise.” The concept had the potential to spawn sequels, expand the lore, and build a dedicated fanbase. But as it stands, I doubt anyone would pay to see another installment. The story simply didn’t leave a lasting impression.

One of the film’s saving graces was its setting. A significant portion of Passenger was filmed in Seattle and its surrounding areas, and the Pacific Northwest’s moody, overcast skies and dense forests provided the perfect backdrop for the story. The cinematography by Federico Verardi captured the eerie beauty of the region, adding a layer of atmosphere that the script couldn’t quite deliver.

While Passenger had its moments of genuine tension and visually stunning scenes, it ultimately fell flat. Director André Øvredal’s direction was solid, and the cast gave it their all, but the lackluster writing held the film back. It’s frustrating to see so much potential go unrealized, given the foundation for a great horror film.

If you’re a fan of supernatural horror and don’t mind a predictable plot, Passenger might be worth a watch. Just don’t go in expecting a groundbreaking experience. As for me, I’ll always remember my brief stint as a background extra — and the lesson that sometimes, even the most promising projects can miss the mark.

Copyright ©️2026 by Frank Gaimari