The Premise: Van Life Becomes a Nightmare on Wheels
Passenger, a new supernatural horror film from Paramount Pictures, is in theaters today, May 22, 2026. Directed by André Øvredal (Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, The Autopsy of Jane Doe), the film follows a young couple who trade in their safe life for the freedom of van life. A few weeks into their cross-country trip, they encounter a grisly highway accident. The driver is dead. What was supposed to be a simple stop for help turns into something much darker. A demonic entity called “the Passenger” has latched onto them and it’s not letting go.
It’s a concept that mixes modern nomad culture with classic road-horror tropes, making for a premise that’s both relatable and instantly unsettling. The film is a brisk 94 minutes and rated R for strong violent content and gore.
Øvredal Brings Style to the Highway Direction and Atmosphere
Øvredal proves once again that he knows how to create tactile, atmospheric horror. The van itself is a character, cramped and intimate and increasingly claustrophobic as the entity makes itself known. Real tension comes from nighttime sequences on deserted roads, sudden apparitions in the rearview mirror and clever use of the vehicle’s cramped space.
Critics have praised the film’s visual craftsmanship and its use of the open road as a trap. Many, however, point out that while the direction is slick and professional, the story leans far too much on familiar beats instead of breaking new ground in the genre.
Performances: Emotional load carried by believable leads
Jacob Scipio (“The Woman King”) and Lou Llobell (“The Old Guard”) are believable as a couple, tested to the max under extreme pressure. Their chemistry feels lived in, which makes the horror hit harder as their safe little world begins to unravel. Supporting turns, especially from Melissa Leo, lend welcome gravitas and help to ground the more supernatural elements.
They are likeable enough that you root for their survival, even when the plot takes a predictable turn.
The Horror: Jump Scares, Atmosphere, and a Couple of Real Chills
Passenger has its nerve-wracking moments. The entity’s rules — it can’t be outrun, it follows wherever you go — induce constant dread. Some of the set pieces are inventive, particularly those that make the most of the van’s interior and the isolation of the American highway system.
That said, the film has been criticized for relying too heavily on jump scares that are too telegraphed, and for an underdeveloped mythology. There are moments of real folk-horror creepiness (including subtle nods to traveler’s patron saints), but the movie too often plays it safe with familiar “haunted object on wheels” territory, rather than fully exploring its own rules.
Critical Reception and Verdict: A good but unspectacular ride
As of opening day, Passenger has a 45% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, many of whom called it “predictable,” “generic” and “stylish but ultimately underwhelming.” The audience has been a little more forgiving, with some applauding the scares and the chemistry between the couple, and others feeling the middle was a bit drawn-out.
Final Score: 5.5/10
Passenger is a well-made, occasionally thrilling supernatural horror movie that will satisfy fans looking for a quick, popcorn-fuelled scare on a Friday night. It benefits hugely from strong direction, solid lead performances and a timely van-life hook. But it never quite steps out from the shadow of better road-horror classics or recent elevated genre entries.
If you are in the market for a demonic hitchhiker tale with some slick production values and a few solid jolts, Passenger is worth the ticket. Just don’t expect it to reinvent the wheel — or the rearview mirror.
