The Passenger

The Passenger

Year: 2023

Runtime: 94 min

Language: English

Director: Carter Smith

Horror

Randy prefers to remain unnoticed, but his quiet workplace descends into chaos when a coworker's violent outburst unleashes devastation. Forced to confront his own difficult past, he must fight to survive and discover the dark forces behind the sudden rampage.

Warning: spoilers below!

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The Passenger (2023) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of The Passenger (2023), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

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.

Last Updated: November 25, 2024 at 19:24

Ending Explained – What Happens at the End of The Passenger?

Still wondering what the ending of The Passenger (2023) really means? Here’s a spoiler-heavy breakdown of the final scene, major twists, and the deeper themes that shape the film’s conclusion.

In the final moments of The Passenger, we see a transformation in Randy’s character. After enduring and surviving Benson’s violent rampage and the chaos of their joint escape, Randy begins to show signs of personal growth. The film reveals that both men carry deep childhood traumas—Benson’s rooted in a violent incident from his early years, and Randy’s in a tragic act of accidental violence involving his teacher during second grade. Benson’s uncontrollable rage and violence seem to stem from his past abuse, while Randy’s inability to react has been shaped by the guilt and remorse over his childhood accident.

Despite Benson’s confident brutality, it’s clear that he is not the in-control predator he appears to be; rather, he’s haunted by his childhood trauma, which ultimately overpowers him. When Randy confronts Benson during their final encounter and urges him to stop, Benson’s internal conflict erupts, leading him to shoot Randy in the shoulder. However, after finally realizing that Randy had called the police, Benson’s violence subsides, and he is shot dead by the police, showing that his own past and unresolved issues dominate his actions.

In contrast, Randy’s assault and captivity become catalysts for change. He begins to find a sense of confidence and purpose, reconnecting with the kindness of Miss Beard and developing a better relationship with his mother. The act of gifting the toy crocodile to Tessa symbolizes his emotional growth and newfound ability to connect with others. The ending suggests that Randy has begun to confront and accept his past, turning his trauma into a source of strength and moving towards a healthier future. The film concludes with a quiet note of hope, illustrating that even in the darkest circumstances, healing and transformation are possible.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 09:01

Unlock the Full Story of The Passenger

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Passenger in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Passenger is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Passenger Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Passenger with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Passenger Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Passenger

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Passenger. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Passenger

The Passenger Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of The Passenger? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

The Passenger Ending Explained

More About The Passenger

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Passenger: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Passenger

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