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Trucker

Trucker

Some Things in life you can't leave behind

200890 minRMidcredits score: 59th percentile of all films
Director
James Mottern
Starring
Michelle Monaghan, Nathan Fillion, Benjamin Bratt, Joey Lauren Adams

Loner Diane Ford is a truck driver with an 11-year-old son, Peter, whom she never sees, and that's fine with her. But, when Peter's father, Len, falls ill, he asks Diane to take care of their son for a while. Eventually, Diane reluctantly agrees, but she quickly realizes that caring for a child interferes with her independent lifestyle - and Peter isn't all that thrilled with the arrangement, either.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Trucker?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Trucker streaming on Prime Video and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Trucker?

Trucker earns 4 badges, led by Standout acting and Crowd Pleaser.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Trucker worth watching?

Trucker's Midcredits score is the 59th percentile of all films, from 4.9K ratings across 6 sources. 58% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

59th percentile

Better received than 59% of films

60th percentile among Drama57th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)54th
Approval (how many liked it)63rd

63 /100

54th percentile of all films

54th percentile among Drama54th percentile among 2000s

Critics 61 · Audience 63

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.7 — solid but not unanimous.

58% liked it

63rd percentile of all films

63rd percentile among Drama61st percentile among 2000s
58% rated it 7–1042% rated it 1–6

Critics 58% · Audience 58%

On Rotten Tomatoes, critics and audiences approve at similar rates.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 3 wins / 1 noms overall

74th percentile

4.8K ratings across platforms

76th percentile among Drama66th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 145% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$2M
Opening weekend$9.5K
Domestic gross$52K
Worldwide gross$52K

Returned 0.0× its budget — 28th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A gritty indie drama anchored by Michelle Monaghan's committed performance as a trucker forced to reconnect with her estranged son.

Fans praised

  • Michelle Monaghan's raw, transformative lead performance
  • Authentic portrayal of trucker life and blue-collar textures
  • Strong supporting cast including Nathan Fillion and Jimmy Bennett

Detractors panned

  • Thin, aimless plot with no real structure
  • Heavy-handed life lessons and clichéd character arcs
  • Directorial rookie errors, including jarring sepia tones

What stands out

Acting85

Monaghan's career-best turn; strong cast including Fillion and Bennett

Characters70

Relatable but sometimes underdeveloped mother-son bond

Atmosphere70

Gritty, authentic depiction of trucker life

Emotional impact65

Tender moments between mother and son resonate

CinematographyDivisive60

Lived-in visuals; sepia tones seen as misfire

Originality50

Borrows from estranged-parent tropes but adds authenticity

Plot and story45

Thin, meandering story with weak structure

Pacing40

Slow burn that drags in places

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 2 points apart
  • US vs non-US 7 points apart

Watch experience

What is Trucker like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Moving and uplifting: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want to be moved and come out lifted.

It leaves you hopeful. Skip it when you want an easy night.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Moving and uplifting.

Moods
BittersweetContemplativeMelancholicWarm
Heaviest: throughout
Dry humor
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Tender · 13% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its material straight with a gritty, naturalistic sincerity, never undercutting the emotional weight of Diane's journey.
The rideThe film maintains a steady, reflective tone with moments of tension and tenderness, carrying an emotional weight that persists from the initial confrontation to the final resolution.
StructureThe story unfolds in a conventional linear fashion, following Diane's initial resistance, the forced road trip with Peter, and her gradual change.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

The answer rests on this: HopefulBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you believing Diane and Peter may find a connection, though the path remains uncertain and tinged with the pain of past abandonment.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Rebirth
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13% (this title): Redemption 3% (this title) · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Redemption: Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).

13% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeThe film follows a hardened, independent trucker forced to care for her estranged son, leading to a gradual moral reawakening and the possibility of reconnecting as a parent.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfFamilybonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% (this title) · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Family bondsPurpose · 9% of films
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores a woman forced to confront her abandoned role as a mother and the possibility of building a bond with the son she left behind.
StanceThe film presents Diane's struggle between freedom and responsibility without moralizing, letting the characters' choices and their consequences speak for themselves.

The world

ContemporaryRuralIn transitRealistic
FolkSupportive music · hybrid · Mychael Danna
SettingThe open highways and truck stops of the American West, contrasted with suburban domesticity.
MusicThe score likely blends acoustic folk and country elements that complement the road-movie setting.

Content guide

Is Trucker okay for kids?

R

Trucker is rated R: “Rated R for some sexuality, language, brief drug use involving minors, and a sexual assault” (MPAA). As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (67/100), sexual content at moderate (38/100), language at intense (73/100), drug and alcohol content at intense (60/100) and frightening material at mild (33/100). Its violence, language, drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank.

Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Intense
too few votes to rank (4 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 34%
Profanity
Intense
too few votes to rank (5 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
too few votes to rank (5 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
too few votes to rank (3 votes)

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Too few votes to rank this title overall (38 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Trucker have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Trucker?

Cast

Michelle Monaghan
as Diane Ford
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Nathan Fillion
as Runner
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Benjamin Bratt
as Len Bonner
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Joey Lauren Adams
as Jenny Bell
Jimmy Bennett
as Peter
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Bryce Johnson
as Rick
Brandon Hanson
as Tom
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Matthew Lawrence
as Scott
Mika Boorem
as Young Woman
Dennis Hayden
as Trucker

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Trucker?

Movies like Trucker include Little Miss Sunshine (2006), The Great Santini (1979) and Over the Top (1987). Of the 9 closest matches, most are road movies, and most are stories about parents and children.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

5 of these 9 share its world: the American West. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Trucker?

2.5K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: road movie. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.