Where does one even begin to discuss the Juggalo? The hyper-dedicated, passionate fans of Detroit’s hip-hop duo Insane Clown Posse have solidified themselves, for better or worse, as part of the pop culture zeitgeist. Most people know them for their black-and-white clown makeup, love for Faygo and interesting fashion choices (spider braids, anyone?). The average Juggalo (or, if you identify as a chick, Juggalette) tends to come from lower-income households—which are sometimes described as “hillbilly” — and their lifestyle is always embraced rather than shamed. The group — or gang, if you’re a government official, but more on that in a second — embraces the found family concept, supporting and relying on each other through their mutual ICP love.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve no doubt heard of Juggalos being associated with violence, and while it is true that the United States government has classified the group as a “criminal street gang” and that Juggalos and horrorcore often go hand in hand, not all Juggalos are created equal. In fact, a large majority of Juggalos participate in community outreach projects, donating their time and money to making a difference in their local cities and towns. But if there’s one thing most Juggalos have in common, it’s the annual pilgrimage to the Gathering of the Juggalos: a music fest put on by ICP’s record label, Psychopathic Records, and that was even hosted by Charlie Sheen (yes, you read that right) back in 2011.
This is where Nathan Tape’s latest film comes in. Off Ramp tells the story of Silas (Scott T. Schofield) and Trey (Jon Oswald), two Juggalo best friends who, after Trey is released from prison, hit the road to head to Ohio for the Gathering. On the surface, Off Ramp feels like something fresh out of the early 2000s teenage road trip genre (think 2003’s Grind). It’s filled with incredibly juvenile one-liners (“I could bust a nut just hearing her fart”) and characters with names like “Butthole Ben.” But underneath its childish charms lies a movie firmly rooted in family values and honorable friendship. Schofield and Oswald are the quintessential lovable losers, constantly making poor decisions but always remaining likable. They are easy to root for, so earnest are they in their devotion to both each other and the rest of the Juggalo community. When they make an emergency stop at their frenemy Scarecrow’s (Jared Bankens) house, the duo’s connection with his sister, Eden (Ashley B. Smith), comes across as sincere, and Silas’ depiction as a trans man is handled with admirable grace.
Off Ramp starts off as a buddy road trip film and slowly veers into horror territory à la House of 1000 Corpses with strange and disturbing occurrences that will no doubt make lighter stomachs turn. Literally hours out of prison, Trey is desperate to avoid going back, but one unfortunate run-in with a skeezy cop named Gavin (Reed Diamond), quickly turns into a major problem. However, while Gavin is the driving catalyst for most of Trey and Silas’ actions, the movie’s true focus is on the bonds formed between the two best friends and Eden. Of course, there is always the question of whether the group will actually make it to the Gathering, but the movie’s true spirit lies in their earnest connections with one another.
Tape’s movie is, by no means, going to go on to sweep the Oscars. However, it tackles an oft-misunderstood subculture with grace and humility while still managing to stay true to the Juggalo lifestyle. Even if you go into the film knowing nothing about ICP’s most dedicated fans, you will surely leave feeling like you have a better, positive understanding of this counterculture community. Just like the carnival, Off Ramp is sure to provide.
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