The Passenger

I enjoyed this movie from the start. It grips you in and keeps you invested until the end. The performances are really what carry it and the unpredictable nature of the antagonist. The horrific nature of his crimes paired with his charismatic laid back personality is a brilliant clash. The only problem I have with the movie is its generic predictable ending. Anyone watching would think 1 of 2 scenarios would happen. Protagonist stands up to him and kills him or the antagonist gets caught. Unfortunately one of these is the case and I felt this movie could've gone in 100 different directions. It had endless possibilities but chose a basic boring ending. However it doesn't undo what the film presented prior. It's definitely entertaining and ultimately keeps you guessing until the end. I appreciated this film. Talented cast really made this film memorable for me.

The first time in a long time that I've been enthralled by a movie from beginning to end. The tense atmosphere is consistent throughout, and the character development is so well done. This is a story about trauma and raw emotion, and I must say that both main actors were exceptional at bringing that emotion to the screen in their own ways. You can feel the pain of both manifest itself in different ways as more of their past and mental states are revealed.

The script is very well done, with no exaggeration and questionable character actions that can be prevalent in similar films. I love discovering indie gems like this in a world of unoriginality and remakes. Top marks!

The acting is impressive across the board, with everyone's performance hitting the mark. But with much of the film featuring the two leads alone with each other it's Berchtold and Gallner who really get to shine.

A ride well worth taking, The Passenger is a hard film to watch, but most viewers will find it harder to turn it off. It's brutal both physically and emotionally and becomes increasingly more suspenseful as it builds to a seemingly inevitable climax.

It becomes something more than just the standard Hollywood psycho just as The Passenger is something other than the typical Hollywood thriller.

This really surprised me. I had no expectations going into it but was hugely impressed by the end.

On reflection, the first thing I think of is how well made it is. The direction, the editing, the plot, the script and the acting are all top drawer.

Special shouts out go to Kyle Gallner who is excellent as the burger boy gone postal.

Johnny Berchtold is great as the wimp you need when Micael Cera is too expensive.

Carter Smith and Jack Stanley, Director and writer respectively, are names i will look out for in the future.

The 2 scenes, one in the burger joint and the diner, are ones that will live with me for a while.

The story can be told in just a couple of sentences; as a matter of fact, there is not much in the plot. It does not even adhere to the typical structure of a linear narrative! It is more like a montage of sequences pieced together that mimics the construct of a typical three-act screenplay.

Nevertheless, this effectively puts forth moments of drama that effortlessly induce anxiety and tension. Largely owing to a set of terrific performances given by our two leads, Kyle Gallner and Johnny Berchtold.

Suffice it to say that their sincere acts elevated the script to the next level. If only the story got answers to some of the queries I had, I would have been more generous with my rating. Other than that, this one's a solid watch.

Highly recommended for the 'arthouse' enthusiasts.