The Hitcher (2007)

The American road thriller film, The Hitcher (2007), features an all-star cast including Sean Bean, Sophia Bush, and Zachary Knighton. It is a remake of the 1986 film with the same title. Two college students, Jim Halsey and Grace Andrews, are on their way to meet friends for spring break in New Mexico. On their first night of driving, they almost hit a hitchhiker standing in the middle of the road. After swerving to avoid him, they continue on their journey. However, fate has other plans as Jim comes across the hitchhiker again at a gas station. Introducing himself as John Ryder, the hitchhiker asks for a ride. Though hesitant, Jim eventually agrees. But things take a dark turn when John becomes violent and holds a knife to Grace’s eye. To save themselves, he tells Jim to utter the words ‘I want to die’. In response, Jim abruptly stops the car causing John to hit his head on the windshield before being kicked out of the car by Jim.

Feeling shaken up by the encounter, Grace expresses her desire to go home but Jim convinces her to push forward with their trip. The next day, Jim and Grace spot John driving a family’s car. Despite attempting to warn the family, they end up crashing their own car. With no other option, they continue on foot and stumble upon the abandoned vehicle later; unfortunately, both the mother and children have passed away and the father is severely injured. After taking the car for themselves, they make a stop at a nearby cafe to tend to his wounds, but unfortunately, he does not make it. Suspected of being responsible for the tragic deaths, Jim and Grace are apprehended and taken to the police station. Shortly after their arrival, John shows up and commits a mass murder at the station.