★★★

ANU is a nice and kind film; a Seattle-area production that uses a tender story and a wistful heart to introduce us to our title character (Daya Modi), a 12-year-old girl visited by the ghost of her late grandfather, Bapu (Abhijeet Rane).

Written and directed by Sudeshna Sen, the film is somewhat predictable in its emotional highs and lows. In the belief that her visits from Bapu means that she can bring him back, Anu sets out on a journey of spiritual awakening, which leads to several moments of fleeting amusement. Modi is engaging and strong in the leading role, and Sen’s film is amplified by solid performances from the core nucleus of her ensemble.

Kindness indeed radiates through every frame and offers a story viewers can easily connect with, as we might contemplate our own struggles with the loss of a loved one, ANU may be fairly slight in plot and script, but remains big on heart and ultimately wins you over.

ANU is screening as part of the 49th Seattle International Film Festival, with showings on May 14 and May 15, and on the SIFF streaming channel from May 22-28, 2023.