Cast
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Crew
Director
- Ian Ptaff
Writer
- Corey Large
Producer
- Corey Large
Reviews
Gimly
I won't tell you what does happen in _The Ninth Passenger_ but I'll tell you what doesn't happen: The movie's description, and the movie's title.
_Final rating:★★ - Had some things that appeal to me, but a poor finished product._
Jan 20, 2019
Wuchak
_**Eight people on a luxury yacht, but there’s another passenger**_
In the Strait of Georgia in the Vancouver area eight people, half of them strangers, end up on an unexpected ride in a luxury yacht where some of them eventually board a dinghy to the nearest island and horrific things happen. Will anyone make it back alive? Jesse Metcalfe plays the quasi-protagonist with a secret agenda.
“The Ninth Passenger” (2018) is a drama/thriller with a little horror that brings to mind yacht/schooner movies like "Dead Calm" (1989) and "Caught Inside" (2010), but with a surprise twist in the last act, which has more to do with flicks like “Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan” (1989).
While this is the least of these, it’s proficiently made for a low-budget film with a decent cast of no-names, fitting atmosphere, a quality score and impressive F/X. But the script needed more tweaking because there’s a lack of cohesion to the story. It’s like several ideas put together that needed a little more smoothness and logic. Yet it could also be argued that ambiguity works in the picture’s favor.
Metcalfe does well as the formidable protagonist, inspiring men to get in better shape. As for the feminine cast, there are four beauties: Alexia Fast (Jess), Veronica Dunne (Christy), Sabina Gadecki (Tina) and Cinta Laura Kiehl (Nicole), but the director only milks the latter’s splendor (no nudity) and she’s debatably the least of ’em.
The film runs 1 hour, 16 minutes (although it’s curiously listed as 93 minutes), and was shot in Vancouver, British Columbia.
GRADE: C+
Sep 11, 2020
Thematic Analysis
This Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Ninth Passenger presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Ian Ptaff brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2018, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Ninth Passenger took approximately 16 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 93 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 137 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 32 unique compositions.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2018, when this film is released:
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Ninth Passenger shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Reflecting Skin, which focuses more on action than character development, The Ninth Passenger subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Aileen Wuornos: American Boogeywoman and Freaks explore similar territory, The Ninth Passenger stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: July 18, 2018
- Runtime: 1h 33m
