Writer-director Claudia Sainte-Luce heralds herself as a new talent to watch with "The Amazing Catfish," an outstanding debut of tremendous heart and appeal.

If there's a certain depth missing in "The Amazing Catfish," the film brings forth the small-scale pleasures and poignancy of an ambling short story.

Sainte-Luce shows great assurance for a first-time filmmaker, and if she's able to capitalize on her talent going forward, The Amazing Catfish will be looked at fondly as ground zero for a worthy career.

... has enough craft and intelligence to render its sentimental story about coming out of one's shell more charming and inventive than one would expect.