One Hell of a Ride -- "The Passenger,” 2023

 

Currently a serious question exists about the relatively poor performance in higher education  and professional careers of young American males. Their apathy, lack of ambition, and social isolation have resulted in more females than males enrolled in colleges and universities and in the pursuit of valued careers. The main character in this film, Randolph Bradley (Johnny Berchold), is outwardly competent, but inwardly weak of character. That is, until a fateful day when he is forced to confront his past and assert himself.  What does constitute a remarkable life? Can an ordinary person like a black waitress have a remarkable life? 

The film, shot in New Orleans and surroundings, is not special in terms of scenery or architecture despite the location. What transpired could have taken place anywhere. So too the car is 1970s Detroit iron of little or no interest. However, the driver and passenger are the focus of this psychological drama.  The plot and narrative are simply powerful, with little fluff.

At the start, Randy Bradley wakes up to get to the fast food restaurant where he begins work with a disinterested manager, two yahoos, a male and female who don’t mind displaying public affection, and a rather mysterious co-worker who is cleaning up before opening. Randy is told by his manager that he is different from the others and has a future, although one wonders what that might be in this burger joint or another store. Randy is quiet, possessing a rather fearful visage and mannerisms, not surprising when we learn of his inner turmoil. But that inner world is about be be challenged as never before, when after being bullied, Benson snaps and kills the two coworkers and porn-watching manager. The bloodied bodies are moved to the walk-in freezer with Randy’s reluctant help, and the short road trip begins! 

The drive takes us through flat land  and fields, as one might expect in rural Louisiana. After a quickstep at Benson’s home to get cigarettes, The pair first visit Randy’s former girlfriend at her work, where we learn that he was dropped because of his apathy. Then the scene moves to the high school, where after getting the address of Randy’s 2nd grade teacher in a rage, Benson beats to near death the vice principal . The teacher, Miss Beard (Liza Weil)  has one eye, the consequence of a fit of anger on Randy’s past years ago when he threw an eraser at her.  A very attractive womnan wearing an eye patch, her life was ruined (although after seeing Randy again she will alter that interpretation), as was Randy’s. That traumatic event  is why Randy is so fearful, insecure, and internal frozen to confront life as it is. Finally Benson, is about to shoot this teacher in her living room  when Randy steps in, asserts himself against the evil that is Benson, and becomes a strong human being. It is that moment of decision that changes everything. 

One decision can change your world. Our character is the sum of our decisions, but there is always time to focus on God, the universal Redeemer inside each of us, and transform yourself in a most positive way. Thus a rather dark film can illuminate a troubled soul -- perhaps that is you!