“The Passenger” is a movie that came out in 2023. It’s a thriller drama film directed by Carter Smith. Kyle Gallner and Johnny Berchtold are the famous actors in this movie. The genre of “The Passenger” is thriller drama.
Quick Plot Summary
“The Passenger” is a movie about a man named Randy who works at a fast food restaurant in a small town. One day, his co-worker Benson goes on a shooting spree at work, but spares Randy. They hide the bodies and go on a journey together. Along the way, Randy learns about Benson’s troubled past and helps him confront his demons. Eventually, the situation escalates, leading to a tragic ending. In the end, Randy finds peace and happiness by making things right with someone from his past. It’s a story about forgiveness, redemption, and taking control of your own life.
Ending Explanation
The ending of “The Passenger” means that Randy, the main character, finally finds a sense of control and happiness in his life after a series of traumatic and violent events. Throughout the movie, Randy is seen as someone who is passive and lets life happen to him, starting from the incident in second grade that led him to shut down his emotions. He is bullied at work, has a troubled past with his ex-girlfriend, and gets caught up in Benson’s violent spree. However, the ending signifies Randy’s change.
By stopping Benson from killing Mrs. Beard and calling the police on Benson, Randy takes decisive actions for the first time. These actions lead to Benson’s death, but they also free Randy from the cycle of violence and passivity he was stuck in. The fact that Randy is later seen playing with Mrs. Beard’s daughter, smiling and happy, shows he has begun to heal from his past and is taking steps towards a more positive future.
In essence, Randy’s journey from a passive bystander in his own life to someone who takes action to protect others and himself is completed by the end of the film, symbolizing his newfound control over his life and his ability to move forward from his traumatic past.
Similar Movies
If you enjoyed “The Passenger” (2023), you might appreciate these similar thriller and drama films that also combine suspenseful storytelling with compelling characters:
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Get Out (2017) – Directed by Jordan Peele, this film combines horror with sharp social commentary, much like Blumhouse’s production style in “The Passenger.” It’s about a young African-American man who uncovers a disturbing secret when he visits his white girlfriend’s family estate.
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Split (2016) – Another thriller produced by Blumhouse and directed by M. Night Shyamalan. It follows a man with multiple personalities who kidnaps three girls, leading to a tense and psychological game of cat and mouse.
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Nightcrawler (2014) – This crime thriller drama stars Jake Gyllenhaal as a freelance videographer who delves into the world of L.A. crime journalism. The film, like “The Passenger,” explores dark themes and complex characters.
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The Invitation (2015) – Directed by Karyn Kusama, this psychological thriller unfolds as a man attends a dinner party at his ex-wife’s house, only to become increasingly suspicious that his ex and her new husband have sinister plans for the guests.
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Searching (2018) – A unique drama thriller that unfolds entirely on computer screens and smartphones. It follows a desperate father trying to find his missing daughter, using digital footprints to uncover her whereabouts.
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10 Cloverfield Lane (2016) – Produced by J.J. Abrams, this thriller is about a young woman who finds herself in a bunker with two men who claim the outside world is uninhabitable due to a catastrophic attack. The tension and mystery elements are akin to those in “The Passenger.”
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Hush (2016) – A home invasion thriller with a twist, focusing on a deaf woman fighting for her life. Like “The Passenger,” it’s a Blumhouse production that emphasizes suspense and character depth.
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The Gift (2015) – Written and directed by Joel Edgerton, this psychological thriller explores the consequences of past actions resurfacing in unpredictable and terrifying ways, similar to the unraveling mysteries in “The Passenger.”
Each of these films shares elements with “The Passenger,” whether it’s the thrilling suspense, the psychological depth, or the involvement of Blumhouse in the production, offering a range of viewing options for fans of the genre.
Reference: Wikipedia
