Frank Adler is a single man raising a child prodigy – his spirited young niece Mary – in a coastal town in Florida. Franks plans for a normal school life for Mary are foiled when the seven-year-olds mathematical abilities come to the attention of Franks formidable mother Evelyn whose plans for her granddaughter threaten to separate Frank and Mary. Octavia Spencer plays Roberta, Frank and Marys landlady and best friend. Jenny Slate is Marys teacher, Bonnie, a young woman whose concern for her student develops into a connection with her uncle as well.