An American family drama; A story about a young girl whotravels across the USA to find out about her mother's past. This is a film to be regarded for the excellent individual performances and much less for the plot which is not very realistic or plausible for many reasons, but there is flair and style in the way it is told. The actress playing the precocious child captures the conflict within a child who feels responsible for her autistic mother more than she might be emotionally equipped to process or handle. But, it is the portrayal of Mama, the mother, where the issue lies. By lacking agency, she does not, as a character, serve the plot, which confines the character to the fringes when it ought not. The result is a false feeling and sadly convenient for the story. The story does not become mawkish or cloying really, it is a family film with a good heart, but the ending feels very convenient too and something of a neat line under the issues the young girl would face.

A dysfunctional family mystery about a young girl supposedly with a great deal of natural luck which helps her along is searching for her family in New York. Trouble is, she lives in Reno, Nevada. This is a film to be regarded for the excellent individual performances and much less for the plot which is not very realistic nor plausible for many reasons, but there is flair and style in the way it is told. The actress playing the precocious Heidi captures the conflict of a child who feels responsible for her autistic mother more than she might be emotionally equipped to process or handle. But, it is the portrayal of Mama, the mother, where the issue lies. By lacking agency, she does not, as a character, serve the plot, which to a degree confines the character when it ought not. The result is a false feeling and sadly convenient for the story. The story does not become mawkish or cloying really, it is a family film with a good heart, but the ending feels very convenient too and something of a neat line under the issues the young girl would face after her journey.

I really liked this film. The acting was spot on and I looked for a technical advisor credit but there wasn't one in the credits, so somebody in the cast, or director really did their homework. As a person who has worked closely for years with people with mental challenges, I found the movie very accurate and credible. IA great watch for anyone with a heart.