Beans

It makes for ideal viewing during Native American Heritage Month. But parents should be made aware it deals frankly with a variety of issues.

To Deer's credit, she does not back down from the cruelty that older, white people demonstrate toward the community, including children. (Archival footage of the real incident more than backs up Deer's portrayal.)

It's not hard not to feel that an even more resonant film would go deeper into what's underneath these various landmarks of maturity and identity, instead of predominantly just pointing them out.

This is the first fictional film directed by the documentarian Tracey Deer, and she brings a good eye for which characters might make a compelling story.

"Beans" is a thoughtful, stirring reflection by someone who survived it all, quietly demanding acknowledgement not just of her land, but of her life.

If rendering their stories artfully through a camera lens opens just one mind, then "Beans" is already an unmitigated triumph.

BEANS makes its rage and joy known as Tekahentahkhwa embraces her abilities and identity. Kiawentiio’s vibrant performance lends freshness to familiar beats and grows in size and autonomy through this self-discovery in history.

'Beans' is not a masterpiece, but it’s a significant debut. I look forward to watching Deer hone her craft as a filmmaker — perhaps next time with a bigger budget and wider distribution. Because I’m sure she still has stories to tell.

With Kiawentiio’s sensitive performance at its center, Beans accumulates power as it goes thanks to Deer’s thoughtful direction.

Beans is a necessary, stirring piece of art that serves as both a poignant coming-of-age story and a heartbreaking history lesson.