Ottawa horror fans have a new reason to dim the lights and hold on tight. Director André Øvredal — the Norwegian filmmaker behind genre favourites like Trollhunter and Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark — is returning with Passenger, a supernatural road-horror film that promises to make you think twice before pulling onto a deserted highway.
What's the Story?
The premise is deceptively simple and deeply unsettling. A young couple witnesses a horrific accident on a highway and manages to drive away — or so they think. What they don't realize is that something came with them. A demonic entity known only as "the Passenger" has latched onto their van, and it won't stop until it claims both of them.
It's the kind of high-concept horror that works best when the tension is slow, creeping, and inescapable — and Øvredal has proven time and again that he knows exactly how to build that dread.
The Cast
Passenger stars Lou Llobell and Jacob Scipio as the couple at the centre of the nightmare, with Oscar winner Melissa Leo rounding out the supporting cast. Llobell has been making waves in European sci-fi (she starred in Foundation on Apple TV+), while Scipio has action chops from the Bad Boys franchise. It's a compelling pairing, and having Leo in the mix signals that this isn't just another jump-scare fest — there's real acting ambition here.
Why Øvredal?
The director's track record is what makes Passenger one of the most anticipated horror releases of the season. His films have a distinctive quality: they're rooted in folklore and myth, they take their monsters seriously, and they don't rely on cheap tricks to get under your skin. The Autopsy of Jane Doe, in particular, is considered one of the best horror films of the last decade by genre enthusiasts — a slow-burn nightmare that unfolds in a single location with relentless, suffocating tension.
Passenger looks to apply that same controlled dread to the open road — arguably an even more vulnerable setting, where there's nowhere to hide and nowhere to run.
Where to Watch in Ottawa
While a wide release date hasn't been confirmed at time of writing, Ottawa's indie and genre-friendly cinemas — including Bytowne Cinema and the Mayfair Theatre — are excellent spots to keep an eye on for screenings of elevated horror like this. Both venues have historically championed films that sit at the intersection of art and fright, making them natural fits for an Øvredal release. Check their listings as the film's distribution details are announced.
If you're building a horror double-feature night, pairing Passenger with The Autopsy of Jane Doe at home first is a great way to get familiar with Øvredal's style before heading out.
Bottom Line
Road-trip horror is a subgenre that rarely gets it right — but with Øvredal at the helm and a strong cast, Passenger has all the ingredients to be a standout entry. Ottawa genre fans should mark this one as a must-watch.
Source: Ottawa Life Magazine
