The Drifter 1988
"Loving him was wrong. Dead wrong."
Larry Brand's 1988 horror-thriller *The Drifter* delivers a tense, shadowy tale of paranoia and obsession. When a confident, independent professional picks up a brooding stranger on a lonely highway, her life spirals into an unrelenting nightmare.
Director: Larry Brand
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *The Drifter* (1988) about?
A successful single woman takes a ride from a quiet hitchhiker, only to find herself hunted by his relentless fixation. As she tries to escape, she realizes the true horror lies in just how deeply he's woven himself into her life.
Who directed *The Drifter*?
Larry Brand directed this gritty 1988 thriller, known for crafting suspenseful narratives that blur the line between crime and supernatural dread.
Who stars in *The Drifter*?
The film stars Kim Delaney as the lead, with Timothy Bottoms as the ominous drifter, joined by Al Shannon and Miles O'Keeffe in pivotal roles.
Is *The Drifter* (1988) worth watching?
As an unrated 1980s horror-thriller, *The Drifter* offers a tight 89-minute dose of suspense and atmosphere, making it a solid pick for fans of slow-burn dread and '80s genre films. Its cult appeal lies in its relentless tension and an ending that lingers long after the credits roll.
How long is *The Drifter*?
The film runs for 89 minutes, packing its chilling story into just under an hour and a half.
About The Drifter (1988) — A chilling 1980s thriller of obsession and survival
Larry Brand's 1988 horror-thriller *The Drifter* delivers a tense, shadowy tale of paranoia and obsession. When a confident, independent professional picks up a brooding stranger on a lonely highway, her life spirals into an unrelenting nightmare. What begins as a fleeting encounter quickly escalates into something far darker as the drifter—haunting her every step—proves impossible to shake. With the city's neon glow suddenly feeling like a cage, she races against time to uncover his motives before the chilling final act unfolds.
Crafted as a slow-burn descent into dread, the film blends crime, thriller, and supernatural hints with a raw, unnerving atmosphere. Kim Delaney anchors the story with a compelling lead performance, while Timothy Bottoms adds layers of ambiguity to the enigmatic antagonist. The film's tagline nails its core tension: love and danger entwined in a deadly game of cat and mouse.