The principals are an untamed 6 - year - old motel inmate (the superb Brooklynn Prince), who is always up for mischief and adventure; the girl's
scuffling single mother (Bria Vinaite), whose elaborate tattoos and hair of a color not seen
in nature advertise the fun - loving, dirty - minded defiance of one of the undeserving poor; and the motel's put - upon manager (Willem Dafoe, living his
role without a moment's self - regard), whose kindness somehow keeps overcoming his disgust.
When I realized I could take an even more active
role in combat, having to recognize not just when to snap out of a defense, but also when to take charge of a
scuffle, was enthralling.