Tow. Let’s start with the fact that this is based on a true story. The film follows Amanda Ogle, a homeless woman in Seattle who’s battling alcoholism when her car gets stolen… and then towed. And not in a “go pick it up real quick” kind of way. I’m talking about an outrageous tow bill that makes getting it back nearly impossible.
Now here’s the thing—this isn’t about money for her. She’s not out here trying to cash in or get revenge. She wants her car back because that car is her home. That’s where she sleeps. That’s where her life is. So she decides to take the tow company to court, and that’s where the story really starts to unfold.
Directed by Stephanie Laing and starring Rose Byrne, this film could have easily stayed surface-level. It doesn’t. Not even close.
What you get instead is a layered story about a woman not only fighting a system, but also fighting herself. There’s a lot going on here—addiction, identity, survival—and it’s handled in a way that feels real, not forced. You see it in her relationships too. The women she meets at the shelter, her daughter, the lawyer she brings into her corner… all of it adds depth without feeling like it’s trying too hard.
And can we talk about Rose Byrne for a second? Because she is having a moment. She brings so much honesty and grit to this role that you feel every bit of it. There’s no fluff here. No glossing things over. She carries this film in a way that makes you lean in.
The writing is strong, the emotional moments hit, and when they hit—they hit big. Not in a manipulative way, but in a “yeah, that’s gonna sit with me for a minute” kind of way.
Overall, I’m giving Tow a solid 4 out of 5 stars. It’s a must-watch, especially if you’re into stories that actually have something to say and aren’t afraid to get a little messy doing it.
It’s in theaters now—go check it out.
