The closest to capturing the spirit of magical realism in southern lit that I've seen in film; steeped in ancestral history that repeats itself. Lemmons' use of mirrors and perched loft views to engage a child in a story being told--as if it's happening in right front of them-- is magnificent. 

Jurnee Smollett is also magnificent. And so is Debbi Morgan as her clairvoyant aunt.