The 'Tow' Trailer: A Heart-Wrenching Tale of a Woman's Fight Against Bureaucracy
American cinema has a long history of depicting the bureaucratic nightmare, from "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" to "Erin Brockovich" to "Thelma." Now, the subgenre gets a fresh take with the upcoming film "Tow," starring Oscar nominee Rose Byrne. The trailer for this film, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, offers a glimpse into a harrowing yet hilarious true story about Amanda Ogle (Byrne).
Directed by Stephanie Laing, "Tow" follows an impoverished Seattle woman who discovers that her beloved 1991 Toyota Camry, her home and lifeline, has been towed away. What ensues is a relentless legal battle, as Amanda, played by the talented Byrne, struggles to reclaim her car and navigate the unforgiving world of local government. The trailer showcases Byrne's ability to portray a woman pushed to her limits, a skill she showcased in A24's "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You," for which she is currently nominated for Best Actress at the 2026 Oscars.
The real-life story of Amanda Ogle highlights the importance of community support. In the trailer, Amanda builds a network of allies who understand the system's indifference. Dominic Sessa portrays her attorney, Kevin Eggers, while Ariana DeBose, Demi Lovato, and Octavia Spencer play women she meets at a local shelter. The cast also includes Simon Rex, Elsie Fisher, and more.
The film received a "B-" review from IndieWire's Christian Zilko, who praised the script's relatability despite some narrative shortcomings. Zilko wrote, "It's hard to dispute that the film has good intentions. There are countless Amanda Ogles worldwide, facing unimaginable bureaucratic stresses daily. Perhaps "Tow" will inspire kindness towards those in similar situations."
"Tow" is set to hit theaters on Friday, March 20, distributed by Roadside Attractions and Vertical. The trailer promises a compelling watch, offering a unique perspective on the struggles of everyday people against an indifferent bureaucracy.
