The Passenger

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Melissa W. @RubyChi123 1d Kyle Gallner delivers a strong, volatile performance, but the film ultimately undercuts both of its central character arcs. Gallner’s character feels like he’s on the verge of something profound — a man spiraling after an initial act of violence that is framed almost as morally ambiguous, if not momentarily justified. The story hints at deeper trauma, especially surrounding the teacher he beat to death, yet never gives him the cathartic confession that would contextualize his rage. A breakdown scene explaining what that teacher did could have complicated the audience’s sympathy and added emotional weight. Even more puzzling is the lack of clarity around his motivations. If the film had shown him taking a handful of pills at his mother’s house before they left — implying this was a suicide mission — it would have reframed everything: the vomiting, the urgency, the obsessive need to “fix” his passenger’s life before it’s too late. That choice could have transformed his arc into something tragic and redemptive. Instead, his storyline just… stalls. Johnny Berchtold’s passenger fares similarly. He starts as a compelling portrait of passivity and repression, but his development feels minimal. Beyond telling his mother he won’t be home for dinner — a symbolic first break from routine — we don’t see significant transformation. The film seems to insinuate his life continuing with Mrs. Beard, but it’s never explored clearly enough to feel intentional. The movie gestures toward commentary on masculinity, rage, repression, and agency. But it never pushes far enough to make a definitive statement. Strong performances and tense atmosphere carry it, yet the emotional payoff feels incomplete. It’s not ineffective — just frustratingly close to being something deeper. See more Hailee B. @duckboy Jan 21 Kyle Gallner and Johnny Berchtold are a powerhouse duo. This movie takes a standard 'hostage' premise and turns it into something deeply psychological and surprisingly tender. The way it builds the relationship between Benson and Randy is so effective that it blurs the lines between right and wrong. I hated what Benson did, but by the end, I was devastated for him. It’s a brutal, beautiful, and complicated film that makes you question your own empathy. See more David L Jan 18 Kyle Gallner was absolutely fantastic in this. Johnny Berchtold was solid as well but this is Gallner’s film. Excellent script and really well done all the way around. See more Nathan L. @NathanL Nov 22 Excellent. Well written, well paced, and fantastically acted. Very thoughtful and powerful movie See more arizonabay L. @azbay Nov 21 Masterpiece . The two lead performances are amazing. See more Deborah K Oct 30 The passenger isn’t just a thriller it is a deep emotional journey about trauma and humanity. See more Read all reviews

The Passenger

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