The desire to release “Passenger” during Memorial Day weekend when road travel is high is too obvious to ignore. The analysts of Paramount probably regard themselves as clever, releasing a  horror film about a demon that prey upon travellers on the dark quiet roads of the woods feels like it would fit, but it fits like a round peg in a square hole. The film can’t measure up to its great intro, and it really is. But it is a scene that played so heavily in the trailer that audience members at the showing were immune to its punch. After we are introduced to Tyler and Maddie, a couple that are abandoning the trappings of urban dwelling and seeking freedom in traveling and road.  When they stop to assist a car crash that was the victim from the intro of the film they are tagged, and marked to be the next tormented victim of the demon. A demon that seems to be the equal counterpart to St. Christopher the patron saint of travellers. 

The film see-saws between two different tones and also two different films. One part of the film is a romantic-comedy of two people trying to sort out their relationship and wondering if this is the lifestyle for them, and the other is foreboding, brooding film with its classic jump scares, and slice editing.  The film is a cross between “Nomadland” and a more sinister version of “Ghostrider”. There isn’t really anything new or exciting in this after its intro. 

There are some things that are working in the film. The chemistry between Tyler and Maddie emits a sense of authenticity. Their performances are terrific and charming. The psychological tricks the demon uses to torment are compelling. There is an interesting concept to this film, but that gets washed away from a lazy third act and a highly unoriginal antagonist that is more frightening when standing motionless at a distance than ever in close proximity.  

The script is not as funny as it thinks it is, or as scary and that’s the real problem for the film.  I never felt that there was any real danger to the couple- Maddie and Tyler. “Passenger” wants to warn others not to stray from the rules of the road and the dangers of demons that haunt them in the most mild and unimaginative way possible. 7/10