We meet Bentlee, age 12, as he shows us around the garage shared by his extended family, three generations of demolition derby drivers in rural Steuben County, New York. We then watch as Bentlee’s brother, aunt, and uncles all compete in (and win prizes at) the demolition derby at their local county fair.

Bentlee proudly shows us his own car: a junker he bought from his older brother Ethan to compete in his very first derby. We follow Bentlee through the rain-soaked day of the competition, watching his emotions swing between fear and excitement as he prepares for this unusual coming- of-age ritual. Bentlee’s extended family show their love by giving him advice and teasing him while his dad and uncle help him get his car ready.

As the youth derby nears, the rain refuses to subside, and Bentlee's nerves become more palpable as he and his family realize the other kids’ cars are much more powerfully built than his. But there’s nothing they can do about that now. When the heat starts, Bentlee’s mom looks on with concern as her son is bullied by the other cars - then there's a glimmer of hope as he comes alive makes a few hits - but his car is quickly pinned to the wall and he’s forced to tap out.

It’s a disappointing result, but Bentlee appears thrilled, buoyed by the outpouring of support from his family. He declares himself ready to compete alongside the grown-ups next time - but his family let him know he still has a long ways to go. As the adrenaline wears off, he watches his brother and uncle compete in the adult derby - which his brother wins. The tears of joy and screams of adoration from his mom and the rest of his family make the praise Bentlee received seem small and patronizing in contrast. While his family celebrates, Bentlee walks off into the rain, alone and unsatisfied, his big day overshadowed by his brother's.

We snap forward to two years later, where Bentlee shows us a car he and Ethan built together for Bentlee’s second-ever derby. They’re a team now: Bentlee tells us he wants to be a mechanic like Ethan, who will be riding shotgun with him. This derby feels different - we see it only in glimpses, in slow motion, it’s a dream - and Bentlee wins second place. He’s elated, cocky, bragging about his exploits like a real teenager now. “You did good,” his brother tells him, without a hint of condescension, “I’m proud of you.”