Perhaps the biography, the background, the fact that a 19 year old filmmaker directed this, will overwhelm it with hype.

That could turn this atmospheric, setting-centric debut feature into this year’s “Beasts of the Southern Wild” or “Florida Project.” That’s a double-edged sword.

Wendell Pierce is the big name in the cast, a nice break and what looks like his most challenging role in ages. Karen Kaia Livers, Dominique McClellan and Braelyn Kelly are also in the cast of “Burning Cane,” opening Oct. 25 in limited release.