The Passenger (2022) Plot Summary & Ending Explained

In the end, the film reveals that Randy and Benson are more alike than they seem. Benson, who appears confident and in control, is actually haunted by childhood trauma that triggers his violent actions. His outburst upon seeing Elliot Sheppard hints at a deeply buried pain linked to some past abuse or incident from his youth. Similarly, Randy, who is outwardly timid and submissive, also carries a dark secret from his childhood—an incident where he accidentally injured his teacher in second grade, causing her to lose her eye. This traumatic event led Randy to become emotionally disconnected and passive, avoiding reactions to avoid further tragedy.

Benson's violent rampage and his internal struggles seem to stem from childhood wounds he has never resolved. Despite his outward bravado, he is portrayed as a man controlled by past trauma and violent urges. When Randy finally tries to intervene and asks Benson to stop his rampage, Benson's internal conflict reaches a breaking point. He shoots Randy, but then learns that Randy had called the police, which causes him to stop his violence, recognizing that he has lost control entirely. Benson is shot dead by the police shortly after.