The Hitcher

Synopsis

The Hitcher is a thrilling 1986 action-horror film that follows a young man named Jim Halsey, who picks up a hitchhiker on a lonely road. The hitchhiker, John Ryder, quickly turns Jim's life into a nightmare as a deadly game of cat and mouse unfolds. Jim finds himself being pursued by the psychotic and relentless Ryder, leading to a series of terrifying and pulse-pounding confrontations. As the tension escalates, Jim must fight to survive and outsmart his cunning adversary in a high-stakes battle of wits and wills. The Hitcher explores themes of terror, survival, and the darkness that lurks within the unknown.

Cast

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  Rutger Hauer

  John Ryder

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  C. Thomas Howell

  Jim Halsey

• 

  Jennifer Jason Leigh

  Nash

• 

  Jeffrey DeMunn

  Captain Esteridge

• 

  Billy Green Bush

  Trooper Donner

• 

  John M. Jackson

  Sergeant Starr

Reviews

Critics have had mixed feelings about The Hitcher, with some praising its intense atmosphere and Rutger Hauer's chilling performance as John Ryder. IndieWire described the film as 'a visceral and nerve-wracking experience that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats', while Variety commended its suspenseful pacing and unpredictable narrative twists. On the other hand, some critics have criticized the film for its gratuitous violence and lack of character development. Screen International mentioned that 'despite its tense moments, The Hitcher struggles to offer a coherent story or compelling protagonists'. Overall, The Hitcher has garnered a IMDb rating of 7.2/10, Rotten Tomatoes score of 64%, and a Metacritic rating of 32/100.