“Short Term 12” opens up with a great scene featuring a supervisor from a group home for troubled teens telling a story involving a past patient to a new employee. We are dropped into this conversation as an observer and we get a brief introduction to the main characters. But without a moment’s notice the scene changes dramatically. A young boy bursts through the door and takes off towards the front gate. He’s screaming, waving his hands, and clearing he is deeply upset. The workers subdue him and the emotionally complex setting of “Short Term 12” is realized.
The movie is written and directed by Destin Daniel Cretton who was inspired by his real-life experiences of working in a group home for teens. He first made this into a 2009 short film, but later developed it into a feature length picture. This was only Cretton’s second feature length movie which makes his accomplishment all the more impressive. You see, “Short Term 12” is a really good movie and much of its strength and potency can by traced back to Cretton’s pen and his raw use of the camera which perfectly captures the tone and intensity of his setting.
Brie Larson is unquestionably superb as the lead character Grace. She is a supervisor at the teen group home (called Short Term 12). She works alongside her boyfriend Mason (John Gallagher, Jr.) to both mentor and council a group of teens with an assortment of problems. Along the way we are introduced to them and watch as Grace interacts with them on both procedural and personal levels. Larson’s performance blew me away and there is such a natural quality to what she’s doing as an actress and within the character she is portraying. We also get some interesting scenes between Grace and Mason away from the home. At first these moments seem flimsy but they really payoff later on as the story develops.
Grace never lacks control and she is a compassionate professional when it comes to taking care of these kids. But she is especially invested in a new resident, a troubled young girl named Jayden (Kaitlyn Dever). This is where we see a different side and an interesting turn in Grace. There is a stunning and vivid dichotomy within her. She is a strong and determined woman, but she is also scarred and emotionally fragile. This adds an entirely new layer to the character and the film that I really responded to.
At no point does “Short Term 12” feel fabricated or overly melodramatic. There is a stinging realism that permeates the entire picture. It constantly draws out raw emotion from its characters and the situations and circumstances are believable and often times troubling. There are a couple of characters than dance dangerously close to stereotypes and their stories take some fairly predictable turns. But overall the film sucks you in and exposes you to truths about these teens and the people gifted with the patience and will to help them.
I tip my hat to Destin Daniel Cretton for crafting a movie that doesn’t lose itself in the typical Hollywood contrivances and forced melodrama that we get these days. I also applaud Brie Larson who not only showed she can act, but she gives an incredible performance that is grounded and always feels true. There are waves of emotions that flow throughout the movie and the story keeps you thoroughly invested. “Short Term 12” is another great example of the strength of independent cinema and the impact these films can have on the movie-making landscape.
Keith & the Movies 
Amazing Review! Short Term 12 was on my top 10 list for last year. I am so happy people are starting to discover it!
Thanks! It’s a very worthy film for a Top 10 list. I had heard so many great things about it. I hate that it took me that long to get to it.
I really need to watch this… Great review, Keith!
Thanks man. Definitely give it a shot. Highly recommended!
Good review Keith. It’s a raw movie that definitely seems like a documentary in some strange ways. Yet, it mostly always works.
I think the rawness is a strength in this particular instance. Very strong film with great work from Larson. She really proved herself here.
I loved this film. One of the best films of this year, for me this one sits with Nebraska & Inside Llewyn Davis.
Also I liked the part where Mason was pretty happy with his Foster parents but Grace, Jayden and few other characters had troubled times with their real ones. A very strong message yet shown with subtlety.
And it only makes my belief stronger in Indie films, though one should not judge a movie on that basis.
Great point about Mason’s foster parents. It is a very subtle but powerful statement. There are several of those sprinkled throughout the film. Just a really good movie.
Great review, man. I’ve had this in my collection for a while now but haven’t quite been in the mood for it. Sounds very good, though.
It’s a strong little movie. Independent all the way and pretty raw. But quite honestly those are its strengths. They work very well within the story. You should definitely give it a look brother.
Another fine review, Keith. I have not heard of this film, but I’m interesting in the acting of Brie Larson. 🙂
Thanks so much Cindy. It is really worth checking out. Great performance from Larson and a very strong central story. Thumbs up!
Been hearing all kinds of great things about this one. I’ve only seen Larson in one barely-speaking role so I’m curious to see her performance here.
She’s really good here Ruth. Completely caught me off guard as I didn’t know anything about her either. The story is pretty powerful as well. Give it a look if you have a chance!
Well said. I loved Short Term 12, it was just so refreshingly stripped of excess melodrama, as you have taken note of too. A stunning turn from Brie Larson and a unique setting for a film made this one of my favorites of 2013.
Awesome! Glad to hear you had such a strong positive reaction as well. Larson is really great here isn’t she? Honestly, I knew nothing much about her until this performance and it really wowed me.
Great review. I think this film is a real gem. Pity such films never have enough funding for truly widespread ads, promotions etc. They do deserve it more than many others.
Well said. I think you sum it up well. This film definitely deserves a wider audience. Great story and performances.