The Passenger 2023

Randolph “Randy” Bradley, portrayed by Johnny Berchtold, is a young fast food employee residing in the tranquil yet isolated surroundings of rural Louisiana. He is on the verge of receiving a promotion to manager, yet he finds himself the target of relentless bullying from his co-workers, particularly Chris and Jess. During one fateful day, Kyle Gallner, who plays the volatile character of Benson, witnesses the disparagement Randy faces and decides to step in. Unfortunately, his attempt to assist Randy leads to a confrontation with Chris, who warns him to back off. Rather than retreating, Benson returns to his vehicle, retrieves a double-barrelled shotgun, and embarks on a shocking rampage, leaving a trail of carnage while sparing only Randy’s life.

Following the gruesome events, Randy feels compelled to assist Benson in cleaning up. Together, they place the bodies in the restaurant’s freezer and make the hasty decision to close up shop early, transitioning from the chaos of violence to the stillness of their grim task. Eventually, they head to a nearby diner, where an inquisitive Randy attempts to unpack the motivations behind Benson’s shocking behavior. In response, Benson makes a candid remark about a waitress, revealing his skewed perspective on potential and success: he believes that Randy possesses the ability to not only change but also thrive. He bluntly states that Randy is “fixable,” setting into motion a peculiar mentorship.

Benson’s unconventional style takes a darker turn when he introduces Randy to his mother for an errand that entails providing food and cigarettes. In a chilling moment, Benson corners Randy and aggressively critiques his mother, highlighting a troubling dynamic. Their escapade takes an alarming twist as Benson asserts his belief that he must inflict pain on Randy to instill life lessons, categorizing his actions as essential for Randy’s growth. The duo embarks on a quest to confront Randy’s past, which leads them to a mall where they encounter Lisa, Randy’s ex-girlfriend. She provides insight into their ill-fated relationship, pinpointing Randy’s apathy as the crux of their breakup.

During a reflective moment in the parking lot, Randy divulges a pivotal childhood memory involving his second-grade teacher, Mrs. Beard, who was the recipient of an unfortunate incident where Randy accidentally caused her to lose an eye. The trauma from that moment left lasting scars on both their lives. While discussing this, Randy recognizes that his prior inability to express feelings stems from the regret of having hurt others, further exacerbated by the controlling nature of his mother.

Determined to reconcile with his past, Benson drives Randy to the school where Mrs. Beard works. Their search ends at her home, and upon meeting her, Randy discovers that she holds no animosity towards him and that her life has taken a positive turn despite her hardship. Yet, shortly after their meeting, the impending ramifications of Benson’s violent spree loom large when Mrs. Beard receives shocking news about the vice principal’s brutal beating, a direct consequence of Benson’s earlier aggression.

As tensions rise, the trio returns to the diner, where the tension comes to a head. In a fit of rage, Benson shoots the waitress, provoking a flurry of chaos as police sirens begin to echo outside. Mistaking the situation for a betrayal, Benson tries to turn his weapon on Mrs. Beard but inadvertently injures Randy in the process. In a moment of clarity, Randy confesses that he was the one to contact the police, having covertly taken Mrs. Beard’s phone. Recognizing the end of his volatile journey, Benson contemplates his own life, reflecting on the emptiness that has shadowed his existence since childhood. Ultimately, he opts for a tragic resolution, stepping outside to confront a reality he can no longer bear, leading to his demise at the hands of the law.

In the aftermath, we see Randy engaging playfully with Mrs. Beard’s daughter, symbolizing a newfound sense of freedom and agency in his life. With a courageous phone call, he finally asserts himself against his overbearing mother, indicating a significant personal growth and a desire to take control of his own destiny. This emotional evolution marks a departure from the turmoil he faced earlier, culminating in a powerful statement of self-realization and empowerment.