The Hitcher — a horror thriller revolving round a murderous hitchhiker — wasn’t nicely obtained when it got here out in 1986 however has discovered loads of followers since then (sufficient for a sequel and remake many years afterward). Roger Ebert was famously not considered one of them, calling it “diseased and corrupt” and that it suffered from a “deep illness on the screenplay stage.” Nonetheless, that deep illness is strictly why the movie guidelines, no less than practically 40 years later, and why The Hitcher 4K is price selecting up.
“On this 1986 cult traditional, director Robert Harmon thrills the viewer with the story of younger Jim Halsey (C. Thomas Howell), who stops on the freeway to choose up a hitchhiker, not understanding that by doing so, he opens the door to horrible evil. The mysterious hitcher, unforgettably portrayed by Rutger Hauer, is a relentless slaughterer, preying on those that invite him into their lives. Considerably dismissed on the time of its authentic launch, The Hitcher developed a rabid fan following within the ensuing years, now correctly acknowledged as probably the most memorable and terrifying thrillers of the Eighties,” says the official description for The Hitcher 4K.
The premise for The Hitcher is an easy one and based mostly on a really plausible concern. What in case you choose up a hitchhiker, however he’s truly a assassin? It’s a stable begin, however after the principle character kicks the hitchhiker out of his automotive after the primary 25 minutes of the film, it ought to be over, proper? By no means. As a substitute, The Hitcher provides its villain virtually supernatural talents to maintain popping again up as he toys with the principle character, inflicting mass quantities of havoc alongside the best way. It’s over-the-top and ridiculous, however in a thrill-ride approach that makes it a complete pleasure to observe.
The Hitcher 4K appears to be like a ton higher than how the film is at present streaming on Max (in poor high quality and a 4:3 perspective). The finer high quality actually helps you respect the performances, as nicely, which is the factor that makes the movie actually stand out from quite a lot of typical style fare. Whereas the good-looking and baby-faced C. Thomas Howell is the movie’s protagonist, who’s likable regardless of making 50 dumb choices that hold the story going; it’s actually a showcase for Rutger Hauer. The Dutch actor is unimaginable because the serial killer villain and is instantly off-putting and unnerving as he makes any dialog tense. It’s quite a lot of small particulars within the efficiency, equivalent to delicate gestures and actions, that basically make him a stellar horror villain that can make you second-guess any hitchhiker you see sooner or later.
There’s quite a bit to unpack about The Hitcher, together with a grotesque scene with Jennifer Jason Leigh, which is why I used to be glad to see The Hitcher 4K include quite a lot of significant particular options. Not solely is there a full commentary observe by director Robert Harmon and author Eric Purple, however there’s additionally a 41-minute video interview with Harmon as nicely. It’s nice listening to tales from the manufacturing, and it provides you much more context as to why this movie has been capable of finding an viewers over time.
The Hitcher 4K Assessment: Remaining Verdict
The Hitcher 4K is a superb dwelling launch, one that’s leagues above the model of the movie that’s at present on streaming. With significant bonus options that give additional perception into how the movie was made, it’s a straightforward advice for horror followers.
Disclosure: ComingSoon obtained the product from the distributor for our The Hitcher 4K overview.
