‘Passenger’ Review: André Øvredal’s Roadbound Horror is a Stylish, Satisfying Thrill-Ride
‘Passenger’ is a horror film directed by André Øvredal that explores themes of perception and reality through a road trip gone wrong. The film effectively uses familiar driving routines to create suspense and dread, featuring a mysterious figure that haunts drivers. While it doesn't reinvent the genre, its slick style and engaging performances make it a satisfying watch for horror fans.
- ▪The film features a mysterious figure that attacks drivers on American highways.
- ▪It explores the tension between a settled home life and the call of the open road.
- ▪The protagonist, Maddie, experiences a blurring of reality and fantasy throughout the film.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Home Film Reviews May 24, 2026 2:17pm PT ‘Passenger’ Review: André Øvredal’s Roadbound Horror is a Stylish, Satisfying Thrill-Ride Ingeniously plotted though it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, this humble horror film crafts dread by playing with perception, indulging in sillier supernatural thrills on the way. By Elena Lazic Plus Icon Elena Lazic Latest See All Courtesy of Paramount Some of the most effective horror films craft their scares out of the reassuring everyday. In “Passenger”, the familiar routines and sounds associated with driving become ominous signs of incoming disaster, as a mysterious figure haunts and attacks drivers on the American highways.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Variety.