The Passenger

Randolph 'Randy' Bradley works at a fast food restaurant in rural Louisiana and is slated for a management promotion. Despite this, he is bullied by his coworkers, Chris and Jess, illustrating a toxic work environment that exacerbates his indecisiveness.

Witnessing Randy being bullied, Benson steps in to defend him. After facing threats from Chris if he interferes, he leaves to retrieve a shotgun from his car, showcasing the drastic measures he is willing to take to protect Randy.

Benson returns and initiates a shocking shooting spree, killing everyone in the fast food restaurant except for Randy. This pivotal moment sets the stage for the bizarre partnership that unfolds between the two men.

After the massacre, Randy reluctantly helps Benson clean up the gruesome scene. They hide the bodies in the freezer and prematurely close the restaurant, indicating their descent into an extreme moral ambiguity.

The duo drives to a nearby diner where Randy questions Benson about his violent actions. Benson insults the waitress, revealing his cynical worldview, but also expresses his belief that Randy has the potential to change.

Benson takes Randy to his mother's house to share food and cigarettes, hinting at his complex family background. In a tense moment, Benson forcibly reprimands Randy and sets up a brutal philosophy where he believes in 'tough love' to fix Randy.

Benson takes Randy to a mall to meet his ex-girlfriend, Lisa, for insights into their past relationship. Lisa reveals that their breakup stemmed from Randy's chronic apathy, providing context for his character struggles.

In a parking lot discussion, Randy shares a traumatic childhood memory about an incident with his former teacher, Mrs. Beard. This incident left a deep emotional scar on Randy, impacting his ability to express feelings and connect with others.

Benson and Randy go to the school where Mrs. Beard works to find her address for reconciliation. In a violent turn, Benson confronts the vice principal and attacks him, showing the lengths he will go to for Randy's 'therapy.'

Upon meeting Mrs. Beard, Randy finds that she bears no blame towards him for the accidental injury. This encounter helps Randy confront his regret, but is complicated by Benson's violent tendencies manifesting again.

After Mrs. Beard expresses understanding, Benson's volatile nature resurfaces as he pulls a gun on her. In a moment of moral clarity, Randy pleads for Benson not to kill her, showcasing his emerging backbone.

As they attempt to escape the diner, the situation escalates when the waitress confronts Benson, leading him to shoot her in a fit of anger. This act initiates the arrival of police sirens, bringing their chaotic day to a critical moment.

Wounded in the chaos, Randy confesses to pulling the fire alarm, revealing his role in alerting the police. This act signifies his newfound courage and the shifting dynamics between him and Benson.

Facing the inevitable conclusion to his violent spree, Benson reflects on his life and inner turmoil. He steps outside, committing suicide by cop, leaving Randy to grapple with the consequences of their actions.

Later, Randy displays his growth as he plays with Mrs. Beard's daughter and stands up to his overbearing mother during a phone call. This moment encapsulates his transformation into a happier, more assertive individual ready to take control of his life.