Set deep in the Louisiana bayou, the film follows the turbulent relationship of single father, Wink (Dwight Henry), and his five year old daughter, Hushpuppy (Quvenzhané Wallis) during a devastating storm. Reminiscent of Paper Moon (1973) father daughter duo, Tatum and Ryan O’ Neal, Hushpuppy and her father cling to each other for support and strength as their native way of life is threatened by the forces of nature. The film metaphorically mixes fantasy with reality in order to highlight the effects of global warming. The shameless global warming plug did not work for me. It felt a little forced and did nothing to enhance the storyline. The film was enhanced by the outstanding acting of Wallis. Young, first time director, Benh Zeitlin, struck gold with the casting of Hushpuppy. At only five, Quvenzhané Wallis has the presence and confidence of a veteran actress. Mark my words, “she is no one hit wonder. ” We will be hearing her name for years to come. 781