There's a certain kind of movie that truly sticks with you, isn't there? You know, the one that gets under your skin and makes you think about it long after the credits roll. For many who enjoy a good suspenseful story, that's exactly what you get with **the passenger**, a 2023 American thriller film that has certainly captured some attention. It's a film that asks you to consider some uncomfortable truths about fear and what it takes to face your past, very much so.
This particular film, **the passenger**, comes from the vision of director Carter Smith, with a script penned by Jack Stanley. It stars Kyle Gallner and Johnny Berchtold, two actors who, it seems, really bring something special to their roles. The movie, as you might gather, is a journey, not just across miles but into the minds of its main characters, and that is quite a thing to see.
What makes **the passenger** stand out, you might ask? Well, it's packed with what people call brilliant performances, and it has a script that, frankly, reveals even more layers with every rewatch. It's a film that, in some respects, challenges typical road movie expectations, pushing viewers to think differently about the characters they're watching, which is a bit unusual, to be honest.
Table of Contents
- The Core of The Passenger: A Thrilling Ride
- Performances and Plot Points in The Passenger
- The Unique Approach to a Familiar Genre
- Where to Watch The Passenger (2023)
- Other Notes on The Passenger
- Frequently Asked Questions About The Passenger
- Ready to Watch The Passenger?
The Core of The Passenger: A Thrilling Ride
The film, **the passenger**, released in 2023, is very much a thriller, a genre that aims to keep you on the edge of your seat. It builds tension and suspense, and it often explores psychological depths, which this movie certainly does. It’s a type of story that often involves characters in high-stakes situations, forced to make difficult choices, and that’s a pretty accurate description here.
The Creative Minds Behind the Film
Carter Smith, who directed **the passenger**, brings his particular vision to the screen. Directors, you know, shape the entire feel and look of a movie, and Smith's touch is definitely present throughout this one. Jack Stanley, the writer, crafted the story and the dialogue, creating the framework for the characters' journey. Their combined efforts, you could say, are what give the film its distinct personality.
Interestingly, Jason Blum serves as an executive producer for **the passenger**. Blum is known for his work with Blumhouse Productions, which has a reputation for creating effective and often unsettling thrillers and horror films. His involvement, it seems, might give viewers a clue about the kind of intense experience they can expect from this particular movie, which is something to consider.
A Story of Confrontation and Fear
At its heart, **the passenger** tells the tale of a man who is forced to face his deepest fears and confront a troubled past that has, perhaps, been lurking in the shadows for a long time. This idea of confronting one's history is a powerful theme, and it often makes for compelling drama. The character must find a way to navigate these challenges, and that is a major part of the film's appeal, really.
The film delves into what happens when a person is pushed to their limits, when they can no longer avoid the things that scare them most. It's a journey of self-discovery, but one that is born out of extreme circumstances. This kind of narrative, where characters are truly tested, often resonates with people because it speaks to universal human experiences, in a way.
Performances and Plot Points in The Passenger
A film like **the passenger** relies heavily on the people bringing the characters to life, and this movie, it seems, has some truly impactful performances. When actors can embody their roles so completely, it makes the story feel more real and more immediate, and that's often a sign of a good film.
Key Actors and Their Impact
Kyle Gallner and Johnny Berchtold are the central figures in **the passenger**. Gallner, known for his work in films like "Smile," brings a certain intensity to his roles, and that's very much on display here. Berchtold, as Randy, carries a significant part of the story's emotional weight. Their dynamic, the way they interact, is crucial to how the narrative unfolds, and it's something viewers will surely notice.
The film also features Merah Benoit, Betsy Borrego, and Angie Dillard, among others. While the focus is heavily on the two main characters, these supporting roles often add depth and texture to the overall experience. Every person on screen, in a way, contributes to the world the film creates, and that is something to appreciate.
The Unexpected Turn of Events
The core premise of **the passenger** kicks off with a sudden and rather violent rampage by Randy's coworker, Benson, played by Kyle Gallner. This event, which leaves a trail of destruction, forces Randy, played by Johnny Berchtold, into a situation where he has no choice but to face his fears and deal with his complicated past. It's an inciting incident that throws the character completely off balance, which is often how these thrillers begin.
This kind of dramatic opening sets the stage for a high-stakes journey. Randy is not just a passive observer; he's actively pulled into a terrifying situation. The film, then, explores his reactions, his choices, and how he tries to cope with something so extreme. It’s a very personal struggle, played out against a backdrop of chaos, and that makes for compelling viewing.
The Unique Approach to a Familiar Genre
Road movies, as a genre, often come with certain expectations. You might anticipate a journey of self-discovery, or perhaps a growing bond between characters. However, **the passenger** seems to take a different path, challenging some of those common ideas, and that makes it quite interesting, really.
Subverting Road Movie Expectations
Usually, when a road movie puts you with two characters for an extended period, you're supposed to find at least one of them likable, or at least relatable. Carter Smith's **the passenger**, however, bravely denies this comfort. It's part of what makes the film's embrace of extremes feel, as some have said, queasy, then curious, and perhaps even a bit underwhelming at times. This choice, to not make the characters immediately endearing, is a bold one, and it certainly shapes the viewer's experience.
This approach means the film might not offer the typical emotional warmth or camaraderie often found in such stories. Instead, it seems to lean into the discomfort, asking viewers to engage with the characters on different terms. It’s a deliberate choice, one that aims to provoke thought rather than provide easy emotional connection, and that is a distinctive quality.
Critical Reception and Viewer Experience
For those who like to know what others think, you can discover reviews, ratings, and trailers for **the passenger** (2023) on sites like Rotten Tomatoes. Staying updated with critic and audience scores can give you a good sense of how the film has been received. This kind of feedback, you know, helps people decide if a movie is for them, which is pretty helpful.
The idea that the script reveals even more layers with every rewatch suggests a depth that might not be immediately apparent on a first viewing. This indicates a film that rewards close attention and perhaps even multiple viewings, which is a sign of a well-crafted story. The performances, too, are often highlighted as brilliant, contributing significantly to the film's overall impact, and that's something actors really aim for.
Where to Watch The Passenger (2023)
If you're curious to see **the passenger** for yourself, you'll be glad to know it's currently available on several streaming platforms. This makes it quite accessible for many people who prefer to watch films from the comfort of their own homes. It’s very convenient, honestly.
Currently, you are able to watch **the passenger** streaming on Amazon Prime Video, FuboTV, MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel, MGM Plus, and Philo. Amazon Prime Video also offers it with ads, giving viewers another option. You can also discover streaming options, rental services, and purchase links for this movie on Moviefone. So, there are quite a few ways to watch at home and immerse yourself in this story, which is nice to know.
Other Notes on The Passenger
It's interesting to note that information shared about **the passenger** also mentions a novel of the same name. In 2015, the novel **the passenger** was officially announced at a multimedia event hosted in Santa Fe by the Lannan Foundation. This book, it was said, was influenced by the author's time among scientists. While this information is provided in connection to "The Passenger," it's worth considering how different artistic works might share a title, and that's a common thing, really.
Another piece of information provided about "The Passenger" speaks of a salvage dive. It describes a situation where, following such a dive to recover any survivors from a submerged airplane, a character named Bobby discovers that the pilot's flight bag and data box are missing. This detail is also part of the provided text about "The Passenger," offering, perhaps, a glimpse into a broader narrative landscape associated with the title, which is quite intriguing.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Passenger
People often have questions when they're looking into a new film. Here are a few common ones about **the passenger**:
Is "The Passenger" (2023) a horror film?
While **the passenger** is a thriller, it does contain elements that might feel unsettling or suspenseful, like many thrillers do. It's more about psychological tension and confronting difficult situations than jump scares, so it's a bit different from typical horror, you know.
Who are the main actors in "The Passenger" (2023)?
The film primarily stars Kyle Gallner and Johnny Berchtold. Their performances are often highlighted as a key strength of **the passenger**, so they're definitely central to the experience.
Where can I stream "The Passenger" (2023)?
You can currently stream **the passenger** on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, FuboTV, MGM Plus, and Philo. There are several options available, so it's quite accessible, really.
Ready to Watch The Passenger?
If you're looking for a film that challenges expectations and offers a deep look into human fear and confrontation, **the passenger** might be just what you're after. It's a story that asks you to sit with discomfort, to consider characters who aren't always easy to like, and to appreciate a script that unfolds new insights with each viewing. To learn more about thriller films on our site, you might find some interesting information. You could also link to this page for more movie reviews.
So, if you're ready for a journey that's a bit different from the usual road trip movie, and you appreciate strong performances and a layered story, finding **the passenger** on your preferred streaming service could be a great way to spend some time. It’s a film that, for many, is worth exploring, honestly.


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