Duel

David Mann sets off on a business trip from Los Angeles in his eye-catching red 1970 Plymouth Valiant. The initial part of his journey is smooth, and he enjoys the open roads as he heads eastward.

Mann navigates away from the busy freeways into a desolate stretch of two-lane interstate in the California high desert. This shift marks the beginning of what will become a harrowing journey fraught with danger.

As he drives, Mann encounters a dilapidated tanker truck that emits black smoke. Irritated, he attempts to overtake it, but the driver retaliates with a loud horn blast and accelerates, forcing Mann to swerve sharply.

Mann stops for gas and becomes aware of an unseen driver watching him suspiciously. He attempts to contact his wife, leading to an argument that exposes his inner vulnerability and avoidance of confrontation.

After leaving the gas station, Mann decides to let the truck driver go ahead. The truck's slow speed triggers a twisted game between them as each attempt Mann makes to pass is met with aggressive counteractions from the truck.

In a hair-raising moment, Mann dodges an oncoming vehicle while trying to escape the truck's relentless pursuit. It's a wake-up call as he realizes that the truck's driver is purposefully trying to harm him.

Mann encounters a diner where his tormentor might be hiding among the patrons. During a confrontation, he fights but is confused to see the supposed aggressor leaving in a different vehicle, intensifying his distress.

The tension heightens as Mann faces various challenges such as a stalled school bus and a dangerous train crossing. The truck continues to push him closer to the edge, both figuratively and literally.

In a frantic effort to call for help, Mann finds himself trapped in a phone booth as the truck targets him. With quick thinking, he narrowly escapes being crushed, only to realize the danger is far from over.

Seeking refuge, Mann hides, but the truck continues to stalk him. Its relentless pursuit proves that there is no safety, and he must find a way to confront the situation head-on.

While in the midst of a high-speed chase, Mann's car suffers a critical breakdown when the radiator hose fails. This mechanical failure leaves him vulnerable as he careens toward impending danger.

In a tense final clash, Mann decides to take a stand against the truck. He improvises by wedging his briefcase on the accelerator, creating a moment of sheer desperation as he prepares for the endgame.

As Mann makes a narrow escape, the truck fails to stop and plummets off the cliff, crashing below. This dramatic turn signifies the end of his harrowing experience as the unseen menace is finally eliminated.

With the threat behind him, Mann stands atop the cliff overwhelmed by adrenaline. He engages in joyous celebration, throwing stones into the abyss as the sun sets, marking a bittersweet conclusion to his ordeal.