Films have a unique way of connecting us with reality and leaving us with heartfelt messages that continue to resonate beyond the screen. One such film is Rose Byrne’s latest indie feature, Tow.
The movie premiered on June 7, 2025 at the Tribeca Festival. It delivers a gut-punching story about Amanda Ogle, a tale that many would find relatable and resonating. Blending drama and comedy into one with an incredible cast, Byrne recently revealed the film’s social message and why it is a powerful watch.
Rose Byrne on the powerful message behind Tow
Rose Byrne’s Tow was directed by Stephanie Laing. The film tells the story of an unhoused Seattle woman, Amanda Ogle, portrayed by Byrne, battling a predatory towing company over a $21,634 bill.
Having had her life unraveled when her car was stolen and impounded, Byrne was inspired by Ogle’s tenacity and spirit. As for the message behind the film, the actress remarked to IndieWire,
It is a timely tale right now to tell. I am so proud we are bringing Amanda’s story to audiences. The fall into being unhoused is full of such assumption, prejudice, and ignorance from people. This tells a story of how it can happen to anyone, and hopefully, in a way that is not like homework but entertaining and moving.
Calling it moving, and wildly original, and timely, Byrne enjoyed playing her character, given her fight, humor, and spirit. Well, the early reviews of the film sound positive, and as Byrne stated, audiences do find themselves rooting for the character and her relentless fight.
Rose Byrne’s Tow was filmed in just 19 days
Tow is one unlikely feature with a wildly original tale and the struggle of a relentless, broken-down woman to reclaim her life. Director Laing revealed to IndieWire that the film was made in just 19 days and on a very small budget.
Calling it a true indie filmmaking process, the Friends and Neighbors director remarked that it was a great way to stretch herself creatively, going from television to an indie film right after.
However, what really made the filming easy was the star-studded cast, featuring Octavia Spencer, Ariana DeBose, Demi Lovato, Elsie Fisher, and Dominic Sessa. Laing remarked to IndieWire how Spencer was the guiding light of the cast and how everyone really came to play and crushed it.
I think Ariana’s performance brings the levity and she’s funny as hell but those dramatic moments really hit hard. Dominic is such a star and his instincts in the way he played Kevin were spot on. He had a different walk and the he held his hands. I was very lucky to have this cast. And let’s not forget to talk about how nice it is to see Simon Rex, also playing opposite of what we’ve seen him do in the last [‘Blink Twice’].
As for the lead star, Byrne, the director remarked that she wanted her to portray Ogle after watching her performance in Apple TV+’s series Physical, convinced that only the If I Had Legs I’d Kick You star could play and handle the tricky tones with a delicate touch that the character required.
Stephanie Laing now hopes that the film, written by Jonathan Keasey, Brant Boivin, and Annie Weisman, resonates with the audience and Ogle’s tale as much as it did when she first read the script.
The movie Tow is not yet scheduled for a theatrical or streaming platform release.
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