Passengers 2008

Psychotherapist Claire Summers (Anne Hathaway) is tasked with counseling five survivors from a recent plane crash, including passengers Dean (Ryan Robbins), Norman (Don Thompson), Shannon (Clea DuVall), Eric (Patrick Wilson), and flight attendant Janice (Chelah Horsdal). Among them, Eric exhibits an unusual sense of euphoria following the tragedy and insists on meeting Claire privately instead of attending group sessions. During her discussions with Mr. Arkin (David Morse), an airline official, Claire learns about the differing memories the survivors have of the crash. Dean insists there was an explosion prior to their descent, contradicting the others who have a different recollection. Arkin attributes the incident to pilot error, leading Claire to question the truth behind the crash.

As Claire navigates her professional boundaries, Eric expresses romantic interest but raises red flags when he showcases knowledge of her personal life, including details about her strained relationship with her sister and her coffee preference. When Dean is absent from a session and a stranger appears to be tracking the survivors, Norman fears the airline is targeting them to conceal a history of mechanical failures. He reveals he’s been followed by a mysterious figure and at one point recalls witnessing an engine explosion, which escalates Claire’s concern.

Eric’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic, particularly when he has a peculiar reaction to a barking dog. Claire feels torn between her role as a counselor and the burgeoning feelings she has for him, despite her efforts to maintain professional distance. Encouraged by her compassionate neighbor Toni (Dianne Wiest) to consider a deeper connection with Eric, she ultimately caves and shares a romantic relationship with him that leads to an affair.

Things take a darker turn when Norman doesn’t show up for the next session, with only Janice and Shannon present. Claire confronts Arkin about the potential cover-up, and, growing frustrated with the lack of transparency, vows to protect her patients. Following a series of intimate encounters with Eric, including motorcycle rides and moments of vulnerability, Claire begins to take steps towards mending her relationship with her estranged sister, Emma.

Claire’s world spins further out of control when she encounters Norman’s stalker, who also turns out to have memories of an explosion. Driven by anger, she confronts Arkin at the airport but is met with denial. As tensions rise, Eric’s past comes rushing back to him, culminating in alarming memories of the crash that leave him on the edge.

During a session, when Shannon begins experiencing a vision of her deceased parents just before Claire arrives, a flood of revelations cascade, connecting Claire, Eric, and their fellow survivors. Claire finds solace in understanding her own past while attempting to help others navigate loss. Yet, as reality bends around her and she gradually uncovers unsettling truths, including a ledger listing deceased passengers with her name on it, she descends into confusion and despair.

Ultimately, Claire discovers that the truth is much more profound than she ever anticipated—the other survivors, including Eric, had experienced a collective journey of acceptance after their deaths, facilitated by entities from their pasts guiding them to reconcile with their fates. As they sail towards their new beginning, the ghostly memories and shared experiences culminate in a poignant realization: they are no longer alive. The film closes with Claire’s sister, Emma, finding a heartfelt note intended to bridge their estrangement, illuminating the connections that linger beyond life itself.