There are many things that can go wrong when one goes on a family trip ranging from the simplest thing (forgetting to pack an item) to the most impactful like having an accident. TAILGATE, a film that was part of the 4th Annual North Bend Film Festival, takes a closer look at one of the many things that can go wrong while traveling.
Traveling can be frustrating and stressful, especially when one is ready to go and everyone else is running late. TAILGATE opens with such an aggravating scenario: a family of four is trying to get on the road and no one is ready. The father is beyond upset and his irritability impacts his driving. He tailgates the wrong person though and here is where things get intense.
The family is confronted by the other driver at a gas station! But it does not stop there; this guy is hell-bent on getting an apology and follows and the family, even attacks them so they try to go to the police for help.
I mostly enjoyed the film. I could feel the dad’s frustration with his family and watched eagerly to see what the crazy driver would do the family next. Through most of it, though, I was cheering for him to do actual harm to the family. They weren’t bad people (though the dad could have been a better driver), but those kids were so annoying! I understand their lives were in danger, but the crying and screaming was too much for me. I really just wanted the driver to attack them and silence them. Other than the irritating kids, this movie was a blast.