The horror genre is a tricky beast, and it's easy to get lost in the sea of jump scares and over-the-top gore. But sometimes, it's the subtler elements that can make or break a film. In the case of 'Passenger', a new horror movie from Paramount Pictures, it's the clumsy mythology and uninteresting characters that leave a sour taste in the mouth. Directed by André Øvredal, known for his previous work on 'The Autopsy of Jane Doe' and 'Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark', 'Passenger' aims to deliver thrills and chills, but it falls short in many ways.
The film follows Maddie (Lou Llobell) and her boyfriend Tyler (Jacob Scipio), who have embraced the vanlife lifestyle, trading their New York apartment for the open road. However, the characters themselves are a letdown. Maddie and Tyler are flat and unengaging, with no depth or intrigue to draw viewers in. Their relationship lacks the spark and chemistry that would make us care about their fate, and the film fails to provide any compelling side characters to fill the void.
The main monster, The Passenger, is a mysterious entity that seems to have no clear definition. It's a ghost, a demon, a monster, and perhaps something else entirely. The script struggles to establish a coherent lore around The Passenger, with vague references to St. Christopher and the Hobo Code. This lack of clarity makes it difficult for viewers to invest in the supernatural elements, as the movie fails to provide a solid foundation for its own mythology.
One of the biggest issues with 'Passenger' is its inability to scare. Jump scares are a staple of the horror genre, but they need to be executed with thought and creativity. The film relies heavily on loud noises and sudden appearances, but these moments lack the element of surprise and tension that truly terrifies audiences. The use of the soundtrack and visual effects feels more like a cheap trick than a genuine scare tactic.
Despite some impressive set pieces, such as the van driving through a field of corpses and the projector scene, these moments are not enough to save the film. The overall lack of scares and the clumsy mythology make 'Passenger' a disappointing addition to the horror genre. It's a road trip that viewers might want to skip, as it fails to deliver the thrills and chills that fans of the genre crave.
In conclusion, 'Passenger' is a film that struggles to find its footing in the horror genre. It's a missed opportunity, given the talented director and the potential for a compelling story. Perhaps the marketing and trailer were more effective than the actual film, leaving audiences with high expectations that the movie couldn't meet. As for the rating, it's a 5 out of 10, and it's a film that might be better left forgotten.
