Speeding, out-of-control locomotive pictures such as Runaway Train and Unstoppable have established certain ground rules without really pin-pointing the gold standard. That could all change in light of Omid Nooshin’s independently financed, British thriller Last Passenger.

Anyone who says “they don’t make films like in the old days” should definitely see this one. Nooshin has clearly spent a long time absorbing techniques patented by Alfred Hitchcock and Michael Mann. Suspense becomes the lifeblood of a story in which six commuters are stuck on a fast-moving train.

For a first-time director, Nooshin proves to be a natural talent. His artistic inclinations lean heavily towards the character development side of the action thriller equation. He co-wrote the script with Andrew Love and their work provides countless opportunities for wonderful acting.

Dougray Scott captures desperation on a knife’s edge as Lewis Shaler, a doctor struggling to keep his son and everybody else alive. His playful flirtations opposite Kara Tointon are packed with intrigue. Adding to which, their chemistry strengthens the plot, especially as the final act approaches.

Composer Liam Bates applies some percussive friction like locomotive wheels on an old railway line. Meanwhile, editor Joe Walker sharpens each frame like a born again da Vinci.

(Released by Cohen Media Group and rated "R" for language.)