In a small Texan town, a local car dealer holds the “Hands on a Hardbody” competition every year. In this contest, participants selected by lucky draw stand around a brand new pickup truck donated by the organiser, place one hand on the car, and are not allowed to take it away. Whoever holds on the longest gets to keep the car. Short breaks are few and far between, and the competitors not permitted to sleep. Meanwhile, a fair kicks off around the fading, exhausted contestants. Car dealership employee Joan finds encouraging words for everyone, including the young family man Kyle, who wants to win the car at all costs. But then the competition takes an unexpected turn.

Director Bastian Günther’s compelling, psychologically charged images draw a picture of poverty, wealth and desperation. Based on true events, his film portrays a society in which the obsession with economic gain leads to tragedy.

Starring: Carrie Preston, Joe Cole, Callie Hernandez, Bill Callahan
Director: Bastian Günther.  Germany, USA   2020   119 mins   Cert: CLUB