What Is 22 Chaser About?
The premise of 22 Chaser in 303 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the gritty streets of Toronto, a world of flashing lights and roaring engines hides a covert arena where tow‑truck drivers gamble with danger for a single, coveted title: king of the road. The city’s constant bustle masks a brutal competition in which reckless “chasers” race to accident scenes, turning tragedy into profit and high‑speed pursuit into sport. The tone is tense and relentless, a blend of blue‑collar realism and pulse‑pounding adrenaline that makes every call feel like a gamble with fate.
At the heart of this under‑current is Ben Dankert, a tow‑truck driver who balances his day‑to‑day grind with a fierce determination to rise above the margins that keep him and his family shackled. He and his wife Avery have left a toxic past behind, hoping the modest inheritance they brought to the city will be the seed for a better future. Their son, Zach, watches the streets with a mixture of awe and resentment, his youthful dreams tangled with the harsh reality of being labeled an outsider. Ben dreams of owning his own garage, while Avery envisions a culinary career—ambitions that feel perpetually out of reach amid mounting bills and the low‑pay grind of their jobs.
The film paints a portrait of a family teetering on the edge of desperation, drawn into a world where every roadside emergency could be a chance to claw back dignity or sink deeper into the abyss. As Ben eyes the lucrative yet perilous race for supremacy, the story invites viewers into a pulse‑quickening dance between survival and ambition, where the line between right and wrong blurs under the roar of engines and the distant wail of sirens. The atmosphere crackles with uncertainty, promising a high‑stakes showdown that will test the limits of courage, loyalty, and the lengths one will go to protect what matters most.
What Happens in 22 Chaser?
The complete story of 22 Chaser, from the first scene to the last, in 609 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 5 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Ben Dankert, portrayed by Brian J. Smith, works as a tow truck driver who unexpectedly witnesses a collision involving a truck and a bicycle. Offering his help, he encounters his rival, Elvis, played by Shaun Benson, who misleadingly suggests the cyclist is at fault. Believing that fellow driver Aaron Ashmore will act fairly, Ben advises the truck’s driver to reach out to him for assistance. Later, Ben finds himself entangled in a precarious situation, having only turned in a single dispatch slip after a police detainment over his 911 call regarding the accident.
Ben and his wife, Avery (played by Kaniehtiio Horn), have moved to Toronto with Ben’s modest inheritance in hopes of escaping a toxic family life. Balancing their struggles as a tow truck driver for Jackrabbit Towing and a diner cook, they find it increasingly difficult to provide for their son, Zach, portrayed by Jack Fulton. Often bullied as “white trash” at school, Zach’s life is overshadowed by poverty. In a bid to encourage his son, Ben promises to buy him a $300 bicycle for his birthday, hoping it will motivate Zach to refrain from violence and embrace character. Both Ben and Avery view their jobs as stepping stones toward their dreams—Ben aspires to open his own garage while Avery wishes to enroll in culinary school, yet their financial limitations trap them in a harsh cycle.
One day, Ben encounters Wayne (played by Raoul Trujillo), an intersection chaser who shares insights about earning substantial money from accident referrals. As the financial strain mounts, Avery voices her concerns about their meager resources, which leaves little for even basic needs. Ben later returns to the dispatch office, only to find his unscrupulous boss, Bissey (John Kapelos), enforcing a new mandate that forces drivers to lease their trucks, deepening their financial woes.
With the pursuit of a lucrative police contract that could turn their fortunes around, Ben turns to the loan shark Ray (Aidan Devine), a police constable, for a $5,000 loan—requiring him to pay $750 weekly. Unfortunately, his attempts to stabilize their financial situation begin to crumble when he’s late on the first repayment. Ray’s threats become dire and personal, pushing Ben further into desperation. Meanwhile, Avery finds herself entangled with Sean, played by Aaron Ashmore, a high school friend of Ben’s who seems interested in her, adding another layer of complexity to their fragile relationship.
Torn between moral integrity and financial desperation, Ben ventures into the cutthroat world of the chasers—tow truck drivers who exploit accident scenes. As he teams up with Wayne and Elvis, they race to emergencies, with Ben’s ethics continuously colliding with the unscrupulous practices of his colleagues. In one high-stakes incident, he assists a homeless woman, only to be confronted by the harsh realities of the job’s consequences.
Ben’s life spirals further as he seeks to repay Ray while also navigating rebellious behavior from Zach, who now struggles with fitting in. As tensions rise, Avery’s frustration with their situation leads to a confrontation. Just when hope seems lost, Ben’s determination ignites a fierce drive for change. He begins to take desperate measures to reclaim control, such as puncturing a rival’s tires and even resorting to illegal tactics to secure work.
In a twist of fate, Ben’s rapid actions lead to unexpected opportunities, and he eventually seeks to pay off his debts while offering Ray an alternative partnership. However, the weight of his decisions looms heavily as the threads of family and business intertwine. As Ben sits with Avery, revealing that he has procured the bicycle for Zach, the tension heightens with the ringing of another accident call—reminding them how precarious their situation truly is.
22 Chaser Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Unexpected Collision” to “A Call for Help”. 5 events name a place, across 4 locations.
- 1
Unexpected Collision
Ben Dankert witnesses a collision involving a truck and a bicycle. Despite the chaotic scene, he makes the decision to offer help, immediately stepping into a swirl of conflict.
Where:Intersection
- 2
Rival's Deceit
Upon arriving at the accident scene, Ben encounters his rival, Elvis, who misleads him by suggesting that the cyclist is at fault. This encounter sets in motion a series of misunderstandings that complicate the aftermath of the incident.
Where:Accident Scene
- 3
Ben's Trust in Aaron
Believing that fellow driver Aaron Ashmore will act fairly, Ben advises the truck driver to contact him for assistance. This moment highlights both Ben's desire for justice and his misguided faith in those around him.
- 4
Struggling Family Life
Ben and his wife Avery move to Toronto with the hope of escaping their toxic family life. They have to balance their challenging jobs and their responsibilities to their son Zach, who faces bullying at school due to their financial struggles.
Where:Toronto
- 5
Birthday Promise
In an effort to boost his son's spirit, Ben promises to buy Zach a $300 bicycle for his birthday. This promise serves as a beacon of hope amidst their financial difficulties and a desire to foster positive character in Zach.
- 6
Wayne's Temptation
Ben meets Wayne, an intersection chaser who reveals the potential for significant earnings from accident referrals. This moment tempts Ben to reconsider his ethical stance as financial pressure mounts on the family.
Where:Dispatch Office
- 7
New Restrictions
Returning to the dispatch office, Ben finds that his boss, Bissey, has implemented new mandates requiring drivers to lease trucks. This policy only serves to worsen their already dire financial situation, adding more strain.
Where:Dispatch Office
- 8
Loan from the Shark
Desperate to secure funding, Ben turns to Ray, a police constable, for a $5,000 loan. The terms dictate a stressful repayment plan of $750 weekly, adding immense pressure to Ben's already fragile circumstances.
- 9
Escalating Threats
Ben suffers the consequences of his late loan repayment as Ray's threats intensify. This escalation of pressure forces Ben deeper into a cycle of desperation, impacting both his work and family life.
- 10
Avery's Dilemma
As financial strains deepen, Avery begins to have an emotional connection with Sean, a high school friend of Ben’s. This pushes the couple's relationship to the brink, complicating their efforts to navigate tough times.
Show the other 5 events of 22 Chaser Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Moral Conflicts
Torn between his ethics and the urge for survival, Ben enters the ruthless world of chasers. This decision puts him at odds with his moral compass as he starts racing to accident scenes with his dubious colleagues.
- 12
Turning Point
As Ben grapples with his family's struggles and pressures from Ray, he takes desperate actions to regain control of his life. These actions include puncturing a rival's tires and resorting to illicit strategies for work.
- 13
Unexpected Opportunities
In a surprising twist of fate, Ben's reckless actions create unforeseen opportunities. As he works to pay off his debts, he contemplates forming a partnership with Ray, complicating his moral dilemma further.
- 14
The Birthday Bicycle
In a moment of clarity amidst chaos, Ben reveals that he has purchased the bicycle for Zach. This gesture reflects both his determination to uplift his family and the ongoing tension triggered by their precarious situation.
- 15
A Call for Help
As Ben shares the exciting news about the bicycle, another accident call rings in, underscoring the volatility of their lives. This moment serves as a somber reminder of the fragile balance they are struggling to maintain.
Who Are the Main Characters in 22 Chaser?
4 characters, among them Ben Dankert (Brian J. Smith), Avery Dankert (Kaniehtiio Horn) and Elvis (Shaun Benson): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- BD
Ben Dankert (Brian J. Smith)
Played by Brian J. Smith
Ben is a hardworking tow truck driver caught in the throes of financial despair. His dreams of establishing a better life for his family clash with the harsh realities of his environment. Despite his moral compass, he finds himself tempted by unethical choices as he navigates the cutthroat world he inhabits.
- 🛠️ Determined
- 💼 Struggling
- ❤️ Family-Oriented
-
Avery Dankert (Kaniehtiio Horn)
Played by Kaniehtiio Horn
Avery is Ben's supportive wife who grapples with her own frustrations regarding their financial situation. She embodies the struggles of many women balancing family and career aspirations. Her character highlights the emotional toll that economic hardship takes on relationships.
- 👩🍳 Aspiring Chef
- 😟 Concerned
- ❤️ Supportive
-
Elvis (Shaun Benson)
Played by Shaun Benson
Elvis serves as Ben's rival, embodying the morally dubious nature of the tow truck industry. His manipulative behavior reveals the cutthroat dynamics of their profession, as he exploits situations for personal gain. Elvis's actions create tension and push Ben towards questionable decisions.
- 🦹♂️ Rival
- 💰 Greedy
- ⚠️ Manipulative
-
Sean (Aaron Ashmore)
Played by Aaron Ashmore
Sean is a high school friend of Ben's who complicates the dynamics between Ben and Avery. His interest in Avery adds another layer of conflict to Ben's already strained marriage, embodying the challenges faced when personal and professional lives intersect.
- 🤝 Friend
- 😏 Intriguer
- ⚠️ Complicated
Where and When Is 22 Chaser Set?
22 Chaser is set in Toronto. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The movie unfolds in contemporary times, reflecting current societal issues such as economic hardships and the challenge of balancing personal aspirations with financial constraints. The dynamics of family life and the pressures of living in a competitive city are conveyed through the protagonists' experiences.
Where
Toronto
Toronto is a bustling metropolis known for its diverse population and iconic skyline. It serves as a backdrop for Ben's struggles as a tow truck driver, emphasizing the challenges of urban life. The city's blend of opportunities and hardships mirrors the characters' pursuit of a better future amidst financial strain.
- 🏙️ City
- 🚗 Transportation
What Are the Themes of 22 Chaser?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Struggle, Desperation and Family.
-
01
Struggle
The theme of struggle permeates the film as Ben and his family grapple with financial instability and personal aspirations. Their journeys highlight the emotional and physical toll of trying to escape a cycle of poverty. This struggle reveals the characters' resilience and their conflicting values in the pursuit of a better life.
-
02
Desperation
Desperation drives Ben into the morally ambiguous world of chasers, illustrating the lengths individuals will go to when pushed to their limits. This theme explores the erosion of ethics when faced with dire circumstances, as well as the impact of financial stress on familial relationships.
-
03
Family
Family is at the core of the narrative, examining the bonds and strains that arise from economic hardship. Ben's determination to support his son Zach and the friction between him and Avery showcase the complexities of familial loyalty amidst adversity. The film ultimately questions what sacrifices are necessary to keep a family together.
What Kind of Film Is 22 Chaser?
Tense in tone, with fast pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Tense
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Ambiguous
A tense and fast-paced drama that immerses the viewer in the gritty, high-stakes world of a desperate tow truck driver, creating an atmosphere of constant financial and moral pressure.
- desperate
- anxious
- gritty
- urgent
- oppressive
- high-stakes
- financial desperation
- moral conflict
- workplace exploitation
- debt
Content notes: debt intimidation, child bullying, financial exploitation.
Quiz
How well do you remember 22 Chaser? Test yourself on the story.
Where to Watch 22 Chaser
Stream it on Amazon MX Player and Amazon Prime Video, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
Stream 9
Amazon MX Player 
Amazon Prime Video 
Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads 
Amazon Prime Video with Ads 
Fandango at Home Free 
Hoopla 
Pluto TV 
Tubi TV 
YouTube Free 
Streaming availability in the US, powered by 
