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The Hitcher
1986 98 min United States of America R 16+
★6.7
Horror, Action, Thriller
Director: Robert Harmon
Trailers
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Description
On a stormy night, young Jim, who transports a luxury car from Chicago to California to deliver it to its owner, feeling tired and sleepy, picks up a mysterious hitchhiker, who has appeared out of nowhere, thinking that a good conversation will help him not to fall asleep. He will have enough time to deeply regret such an unmeditated decision.
Budget:
$6M
US Gross:
$5.84M
Worldwide:
$5.84M
Starring
Rutger Hauer
Actor
C. Thomas Howell
Actor
Jennifer Jason Leigh
Actor
Awards
3 wins & 1 nomination total
Key opinion
The Hitcher (1986) is widely regarded as an atmospheric and intense cult classic, anchored by a legendary performance from Rutger Hauer. While some viewers criticize the screenplay's descent into implausible, grotesque action sequences in the final act, most agree it remains a gripping, high-tension thriller that effectively utilizes its desolate desert setting.
| Acting | Rutger Hauer delivers a chilling, iconic performance that anchors the film as an embodiment of unmotivated, absolute evil. | |
| Cinematography | The cinematography brilliantly captures the desolate and lonely atmosphere of the New Mexico desert to heighten the sense of vulnerability. | |
| Score | The score by Mark Isham is highly praised for synchronizing with the visual tone to evoke a sense of inescapable dread and hopelessness. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay is divisive, with many viewers praising the relentless, high-tension premise while others criticize the lack of backstory for the antagonist. | |
| Pacing | The film's tone shifts from a grounded, suspenseful road thriller in the first half to an implausible, hyperbolic action spectacle toward the conclusion. |