Passenger Review: Clever, Scary Touches Elevate An Otherwise By-The-Numbers Horror Movie

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The key to a great horror movie is simple: be genuinely frightening. It’s easy for these films to get weighed down by complex backstories or forced conflicts, but because horror relies on quick shocks, a streamlined story and skillful delivery are crucial. A familiar plot can still be effective if the scares, surprises, and sense of dread are well-done – that’s what makes a horror movie memorable instead of forgettable.

Passenger is a horror film that manages to be entertaining despite relying on common horror tropes. Though it uses jump scares a bit too much and doesn’t reinvent the genre, strong performances and effective filmmaking create a genuinely scary experience. It’s not groundbreaking, but Passenger does enough right to be enjoyable.

Passenger’s Story Is Well Told, But Painfully Familiar

Though it seems like a typical road trip movie, Passenger stands out thanks to its strong technical aspects. The story centers on Tyler and Maddie, played by Jacob Scipio and Lou Llobell, a couple who embark on a cross-country journey in a van. Their trip takes a dark turn when they try to help a man involved in a car accident, making them the targets of a terrifying demonic entity known as the “Passenger.” This entity doesn’t want to simply kill them; it wants to prolong their suffering and feed on their fear.

Zachary Donohue and T.W. Burgess’s script draws on religious themes to build its story, creating a feel similar to a simplified version of The Conjuring. Thankfully, the movie avoids overly complicated backstories and stays focused on its two main characters and the demon, known as The Passenger, who simply wants to kill. This streamlined approach, keeping the story centered on the immediate events, is a strength for such a concise film.

Although the main villain isn’t particularly complex, director André Øvredal creates genuine suspense around Tyler and Maddie through some smart filmmaking techniques. His skill with the horror genre is evident, and it really enhances Passenger. Despite a simple story and cast, Øvredal and his team manage to find creative ways to build tension and deliver scares.

The movie relies on jump scares, and surprisingly, many of them work well. One scene, using a digital projector, is particularly clever at building suspense. This skillful filmmaking highlights what makes the movie enjoyable. Sometimes, a well-executed, classic approach is all you need.

Passenger Is Just Clever Enough To Be Entertaining

The actors Scipio and Llobell truly bring the story to life. Their characters, Tyler and Maddie, are a believable couple whose relationship is tested early on. Importantly, they support each other well, which prevents the movie from relying on unnecessary conflict and drama.

The film touches on relationships, but it’s not the main point. Luckily, the two lead actors do a great job of making their characters interesting, even when they’re facing tough situations. They react realistically to the scares and show a lot of resilience, which makes them believable as horror movie heroes. They also manage to stay likable, keeping the audience invested in their journey.

While Passenger doesn’t reach the heights of truly great horror films with its themes or emotional impact, it delivers a solid, well-made experience. It doesn’t try to be overly complex or subtle, instead focusing on delivering classic horror thrills. Genre fans likely won’t be shocked by the story, but it’s still an easy film to recommend.

Passenger releases in theaters on Friday, May 22.

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2026-05-21 22:00