Director Nathan Tape identifies as a Juggalo and has an obvious passion for the community that are identified as the Juggalos. The popular legion of fans that are easily one of the most misunderstood subcultures are given their due in Tape’s absolute bizarre love letter. “Off Ramp” is everything that Tape seems to love all tucked in to ninety minutes. There’s a fun road trip, and our heroes are two passionate juggalos that live their lives by the doctrines of their community but are never militant about re-enforcing their beliefs on others. I’ve also never seen so much Faygo in my life.
After spending a year in jail, Trey is released and re-unites with his best friend Silas. The pair are fun loving proud Juggalos that jump in to Silas’ van and jet to the Annual Gathering of the Juggalos, a convention and reunion comprised of legions of Insane Clown Posse devotees. On their way to their annual gathering of the Juggalos run afoul crooked police officers, a corrupt politician, and a devious plot involving an illegitimate pregnancy.
Through and through “Off Ramp” spotlights the often care free nature of the Juggalo fanbase, as they’re so deeply passionate about their lifestyle. All the while main characters Trey and Silas never really do anything but try to find a way to express themselves in an increasingly suppressive world. “Off Ramp” is very much a road trip movie almost like a Juggalo tinted version of “SLC Punk!” Time and time again director Tape has a great time with his premise, while also devising new ways to depict the more positive element of the Juggalo lifestyle.
The performances by Jon Oswald and Scott Turner Schofield are a lot of fun, as they deliver considerable chemistry as long time best friends seeking their big break. Admittedly, “Off Ramp” might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I went in to director Tape’s drama comedy as open minded as possible, and admired a lot of what he brought to this sub-genre. His intentions work well presenting such a fun often humorous road trip with its intentions to pay homage to the juggalos a clear cut mission statement one of its big selling points.
Not many filmmakers or directors would willingly center their film solely on juggalos as the protagonists of a drama comedy road trip crime film, but lo and behold, director Tape accomplishes the task. All things said the wheels do fall off as the finale leans way too dark especially as most of the film’s first half reveled in its more light hearted plot elements and quirks. Nevertheless, “Off Ramp” is worth experiencing, even if you’ve never heard a single Insane Clown Posse song in your life.
Even more so, I’d argue.
This year, The Chattanooga Film Festival runs from June 21st through 28th (June 21st – 23rd In-Person, and June 21st-28th Virtually).