THE PASSENGER (2021) Reviews of Spanish road trip horror – now with a clip

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‘Don’t sit next to her’
The Passenger is a 2021 comedic horror film about the occupants of a van who try to avoid sitting next to a wounded woman during a trip.

Directed by Raúl Cerezo and Fernando González Gómez from a screenplay co-written by Luis Sánchez-Polack, Asier Guerricaechebarría and Javier Echániz, based on Raúl Cerezo’ story. Produced by Juan Barquín, Raúl Cerezo, Helion Ramalho and José Luis Rancaño.

The Spanish production stars Ramiro Blas (Blackwod), Cecilia Suarez (The House of Flowers), Paula Gallego and Christina Alcazar.

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Plot:
A group of strangers on a road trip are abruptly interrupted when their van accidentally hits a female hiker in the middle of the night. They decide to take her to the hospital but soon understand that they only have to comply with a clear rule: don’t sit next to her…

Reviews:

“Ultimately feeling like a near-perfect combination of The Faculty meets Shaun of the Dead, The Passenger frolics from one thrilling moment to the next with ease. Despite having one primary setting, there is never a single dull moment. The gamble may be big, but the payoff is even bigger: The Passenger is one seriously great indie horror flick.” 4/5 Josh at the Movies

“While it may be a run of the mill, small scale alien invasion film without much new to offer, The Passenger is still squirmy good fun with a touching story at its gooey center, lifted by inspired direction and a charismatic cast of entertaining characters. Hop on in with The Passenger. It’s a bumpy ride, but an enjoyable journey nonetheless.” 3/5 Killer Horror Critic

“Ultimately, little of the character work, outside of Blasco, really matters. The Passenger becomes nothing more than an extended chase, punctuated by some gore and a pretty bleak finale. In trying to be a bit more, the movie lessens the potential of what it does well.” 2/4 Mark Reviews Movies

” …you learn about each character comes back as their fates play out. Not a single detail is wasted. While this might not be the most unique premise, the end result is such a good time that I didn’t care much about the tropes and cliches. Check this one out when you get the chance.” 7/10 Modern Horrors

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“Blas and Gallego are outstanding in their roles, and the other cast members acquit themselves solidly, too. Comparisons of The Passenger to Sam Raimi’s horror output are hard to get around, but Cerezo and Gómez are far more on the side of homage than mere mimicry. Their film tugs at the heartstrings as well as jangles the nerves, and it looks fantastic doing so.” 4/5 The Scariest Things

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“It is difficult to tell if the filmmakers are giving permission for a person like Blasco to still exist or simply acknowledging that despite our best efforts people like him are out there and the best course of action is to try to get along rather than constantly fight it out all the time.” Screen Anarchy

The Passenger is passionate, nerve-wracking, and amusing. Blas and Gallego have great chemistry, creating characters with immense depth. The direction from Cerezo and Gómez is brilliant, and they craft a story where despite the character’s differences, they work together to survive. It’s perfect for those who love a blend of horror, science fiction, and graphic gore.” 4/5 Slay Away

Release:
Level K acquired the international distribution rights ahead of the film’s showing at the 2021 Sitges Film Festival.
In the US, The Passenger will be released theatrically by Dark Star Pictures in limited locations on June 3, 2022, with the On-Demand (VOD) and DVD release to follow on June 28, 2022.

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Cast and characters:
Ramiro Blas … Blasco
Cecilia Suárez … Mariela
Paula Gallego … Marta
Cristina Alcázar … Lidia
Yao Yao … Coco
Carmen Ibeas … Modelo
Vasileios Papatheocharis … Maximo
Niko Verona … Mochilero

Filming locations:
Navarre, Spain

Original title:
La pasajera

Trailer:

Red band trailer:

Clip:

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