Movie Monday: TOW

 Disclosure / Disclaimer: I received this screener, free of charge, from Roadside Attractions and Vertical Films, for review purposes on this blog. No other compensation, monetary or in kind, has been received or implied for this post. Nor was I told how to post about it. All opinions are my own

In theaters on March 20, 2026

Directed by Stephanie Laing

Written by Jonathan Keasey, Brant Boivin

Produced by Brent Stiefel p.g.a,  Danyelle Foord p.g.a, Rose Byrne, Stephanie Laing p.g.a, Brian O'Shea, Justin Lothrop, Josh Ricks, Samantha Nisenboim

Starring Rose Byrne, Dominic Sessa, Demi Lovato, Simon Rex, Elsie Fisher, Corbin Bernsen with Ariana DeBose and Octavia Spencer

Synopsis: Based on a true story, TOW follows Amanda Ogle (Byrne), a woman living in her aging Toyota Camry on the streets of Seattle. When her car — her only lifeline — is stolen and 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.


Official Trailer:

Review:

If you're Gen X, you know we really don't have movies that truly strive to showcase an issue and urge people to make changes like we used to (Norma Rae, Erin Brokovich, or Silkwood), but Tow really brings that movie genre back, with a modern take upon it. More humor, more understanding, but still with great acting that really brings the viewer into the drama and makes them leave wanting to make a change. Honestly, I've always though that the recovery fee on a stolen car should be paid by the insurance company, or waived. That has never made sense to me. Now if you say you can't pick it up for a week, then I get the storage fees, but that initial tow fee? Nope. And I think most people realize that those fees add up to a pretty heft payday for the tow companies (especially the ones in large cities). I think most viewers of  this film, will truly feel for Amanda, and understand her pain and trauma.

When Amanda opens up about her personal life, that is when you realize that 'the system' has failed her in so many ways, her whole life. She was set up for success, but was swept by and not given the assistance she needed. But she persevered, and when the latest trauma lands in her lap, she doesn't give up. She fights not for what is technically hers, but for what is RIGHT. She has said, in recent interviews, that had the tow company apologized, she wouldn't have kept going after them, but that absence of humanity, made her want to make a point. Which she ultimately did. And that is a strong lesson for our teens to hear. Make it a movie night, and take them to go see this movie, and come back home and TALK about it- How does it mimic things in their every day life? What can they do to help make changes?

More than just a throwback for change, this movie features such a solid performance from Rose Byrne- you believe in her, want to fight for her, understand her (especially from a parental view). I can't imagine her not sweeping the movie awards next year, she gives such a strong performance! So don't miss this movie, see it on the big screen, as it deserves to be seen! Then tell everyone about it!