Spring Film Festival - “Tow”

For this week’s review slate, I was able to check out three more films that are showing throughout the Dietrich Theater’s Spring Film festival. One of these films that I checked out was also one of the opening night films - and based on a true story - “Tow.”

Based on a true story, “Tow” follows Amanda Ogle, a woman living in her aging Toyota Camry on the streets of Seattle. When her car - her only lifeline - is stolen and eventually impounded, Amanda is thrust into a relentless legal battle against an indifferent system.

What begins as a fight to reclaim her car evolves into a deeply human story of resilience, dignity, and the power of one woman’s voice in the face of systemic failure.

The film festival selection “Tow” is a moving, gritty and sometimes humorous character study fueled by a strong lead performance from the talented Rose Byrne. Based on the true story of Amanda Ogle, the film is an inspiring underdog tale that balances heart with infuriating bureaucratic drama, even though it can feel just a little formulaic at times.

Just like most of her other films, Oscar nominee Rose Byrne gave another tremendous performance. In this film, Byrne has the ability to anchor a challenging performance with both grit and charisma. Playing the real life Ogle, Rose Byrne transforms a potentially frustrating character into a compelling protagonist.

Byrne also did a terrific job using her natural charisma to compel the audience to eventually root for her despite the character’s aggressive, prickly, and sometimes irrational moments.

The film’s overall story is also truly uplifting as it’s a “little person vs. the system” narrative, specifically with its emotional resonance and grounded, gritty portrayal of life on the edge. Another aspect of the story I like is that it didn’t really sanitize Amanda’s

character; she is portrayed as flawed, combative, and a recovering alcoholic, which actually made her journey feel more honest and moving.

While there are some moments in “Tow” that really stand out, there’s a scene towards the middle of the film where Amanda finally shares her journey to an addiction recovery group and at that moment, is when you really feel for the character and begin to hope that ongoing journey does indeed end well.

So, while the overall response for “Tow” has been somewhat mixed, it does lean toward a moderately positive sentiment. While many viewers (like myself) find it to be an inspiring and heartwarming underdog story, some others have criticized its formulaic narrative. It’s also great to see a film that focuses on the realities of homelessness and the “David and Goliath” battle against the legal system.

Cast: Rose Byrne (Amanda Ogle); Dominic Sessa (Kevin); Demi Lovato (Nova); Ariana DeBose (Denise); Octavia Spencer (Barb); Simon Rex (Cliff); Elsie Fisher (Avery); Corbin Bernsen (Martin La Rosa).

Writer/director: Jonathan Keasey (writer); Brant Bolvin (co-writer); Stephanie Laing (director)

MPA: Rated R for language and some sexual references.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdkpcsuPAhA