Skylan Brooks may be just starting to get his feet wet in the world of acting, but he is the hidden diamond in the rough at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. In his latest film, The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete, the 13-year old actor shared the set with heavy hitters such as Jeffrey Wright, Anthony Mackie, Jordin Sparks, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje and Jennifer Hudson.

Skylan is already receiving buzz for his impressive performance in the film, where he plays a character named “Mister,” who was abandoned by his mother and is trying to make it in the city with his friend Pete. Skylan is said to be mature beyond his years in the film, which has helped to make it one of the most powerful films at the festival.

The emotional film and Skylan’s heartfelt skills are leaving audiences talking about The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete.