Set in Seattle, “Know Your Place” follows 15-year-old Eritrean American Robel Haile as he navigates the city running an errand for his mother. Writer and director Zia Mohajerjasbi has a deft eye capturing the idiosyncracies of an immigrant community that lives like one big extended family in this Northwestern metropolis. He conjures full portraits of the characters in the story, though he’s not always in command of the rhythm of the narrative. This combination makes for a touching if uneven viewing experience.

Robel (Joseph Smith) lives with his mother Amuna (Selamawit Gebresus), his elder sister Fayven (Esther Kibreab) and his ailing grandfather (Haileselassie Kidane). There is no other paternal figure, and the film hints at the day-to-day struggle of this immigrant family. When they receive a late-night call from Eritrea asking for urgent help, Amuna tasks Robel with delivering a heavy suitcase full of medicine and some money across...