Like a hard-up version of a 1970s disaster movie, “Last Passenger” drops a disparate group of people in the path of a calamity, then watches as they wriggle to escape. But instead of being on a sinking ship or in a blazing tower block, these unfortunates are trapped on a late-night commuter train that has just left London. And if that’s not terrifying enough, they’re headed for the snooty borough of Tunbridge Wells.
Minimally plotted and modestly executed, this first feature by Omid Nooshin has a comforting, old-fashioned commitment to character building that — coupled with railway carriage claustrophobia and the general unloveliness of the surroundings — makes the first 30 minutes a little sleepy. (Much like the passengers.) Things get zippier when a startled doctor (Dougray Scott) notices his station whizzing past and discovers that the driver seems hellbent on taking them all into the English Channel.
Cleverly placing question marks on several characters — is the attractive young woman (Kara Tointon) a little too friendly? Does the older gent with the omnipresent briefcase (David Schofield) seem overly authoritarian? — Mr. Nooshin stirs a mystery that’s light on special effects and bravely uncomplicated. He may not have much money, but his feel for age and class dynamics is sure, and his actors respond. The result is a quintessentially English action movie: No sex, lots of talking and not a six-pack in sight.
“Last Passenger” is rated R (Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian). Offensive language and even more offensive décor.
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