With a revving engine, a tractor that briefly takes flight, and a dancefloor full of teenage yearning, Gold Hearts of Hot Rod County is a short film that comes out swinging.
Clocking in at just under twenty minutes, this small but confident short from writer-director David Kobzantsev captures the warm-blooded chaos of youth with surprising clarity. From its pulsing synth soundtrack to its dust-flecked sunsets, the film dives headfirst into the familiar landscape of first crushes, high-octane bravado, and emotional confusion. It is packed with energy, heart, and the kind of cinematic flourishes usually reserved for features five times as long.
Callie, played with sincerity by Shayla Stensby, is a hard-working farm girl whose world revolves around helping her dad, played by Travis Joe Dixon. She is grounded, responsible, and used to a life of predictable routines. That is, until she crosses paths with Zack, played by Noah Fearnley. He is all swagger and smirks, a boy bursting with testosterone, charm, and just enough self-loathing to be dangerous. When they meet, it is not exactly love at first sight, but it certainly sparks something.
What follows is a rapid-fire story of attraction, rejection, and revenge told with its tongue firmly in cheek. Zack leads Callie on and embarrasses her in front of the local crowd, prompting her to challenge him to a dirt-track drag race. What might have been a straightforward underdog tale is instead laced with stylistic detours, heartfelt beats, and a kind of goofy sincerity that makes it hard not to root for both of them.
Kobzantsev directs with purpose and flair. He wants this film to feel like a full-blown summer movie event, and in many ways, he succeeds. From the rousing intro montage to the completely unexpected but delightful dance sequence, the film plays with tone and genre in a way that is playful but never disjointed. There is a real sense of joy behind the camera. Every frame is packed with intention, from the sweeping countryside vistas to the close-ups of teenage longing and frustration.
Stensby is excellent in the lead role. She gives Callie strength and vulnerability without making her a cliché. Her performance is understated and natural, which helps anchor some of the more exaggerated moments. Fearnley, meanwhile, struts through the film with cocky confidence, but he also hints at something softer underneath the bravado. The two actors have strong chemistry, and their scenes together carry an emotional weight that feels authentic, even when the dialogue leans into melodrama.
Visually, the film is impressive. Cinematographers John Frost and Jeremy Osbern capture the wide-open spaces of the farmland with real cinematic scope. The editing by Zoé Kraft keeps things moving at a snappy pace, and the needle drops are perfectly placed. Whether it is Duran Duran echoing through the dance hall or the roar of engines at the starting line, the music adds texture and personality throughout.
That said, the film is not without its flaws. At twenty minutes, it tries to cram in a lot. Some character beats feel rushed, and a few plot points are left dangling. Zack’s anger issues are alluded to in his introduction, but never explored. The question of whether he actually likes Callie or is just stringing her along remains unanswered. These choices might be intentional, but they leave certain threads feeling incomplete.
There is also one scene involving an airborne tractor that might raise a few eyebrows. It is presented with a wink, but it flirts with stepping over the line from playful to ridiculous. Fortunately, the film’s tone is so self-aware and consistent that even this moment mostly works, as long as you are on board with its exaggerated reality.
Gold Hearts of Hot Rod County works best as a vibe. It is not about complex storytelling or deep introspection. It is about feelings, impulse, and momentum. It is a celebration of youth, mischief, and the moments that define us, even when we do not understand them in the moment. The script may be simple, but it has genuine heart. And that, combined with strong performances and a great sense of style, makes this short film worth racing toward.
Kobzantsev clearly has an eye for tone and atmosphere. He embraces the tropes without mocking them and delivers a story that is full of personality. It might be brief, but Gold Hearts of Hot Rod County leaves a strong impression. And if Kobzantsev ever decides to expand it into a feature, there is enough fuel in the tank to go the distance.
| Acting | |
| Direction | |
| Cinematography | |
| Writing | |
| Sound | |
| Screen Critix Rating |