Review of Short Term 12 (2013) by Jen S — 25 Feb 2014

Short Term 12 (2013)- 80%.

Destin Cretton directs Brie Larson (as Grace) and John Gallagher Jr. (Mason) in a powerful drama that focuses on the fragile world of under-privileged children with deeply penetrating precision and heart. We enter the dedicated lives of the young couple, Grace and Mason, as they train a new member of their team (Nate), at a safe-house where abused, troubled and challenged children are monitored, nurtured, disciplined and supported 24 hours a day. The film intimately and masterfully captures the unpredictable and often turbulent nature of these teen's lives and examines deeper subtleties of their experiences, like Marcus, who after years in protective abode must begin a new life outside its' safety walls.

Cretton genuinely explores the complexities of working with these kids through Grace, simultaneously weaving her own challenged relationships with her imprisoned father and her boyfriend Mason into the story. Ironically while she encourages the children's openness and communication her past serves as her Achilles heel; it hardens her to build up walls, allowing her to excel at her job, but also shuts out a fulfilling and trusting life with Mason.

When Nate (Rami Malek) repeatedly divulges that he is "not feeling well" each time situations escalate in the house, Cretton captures the level of stamina and compassion that is required by staff who struggle with the fine line between the personal and personally-impersonal aspects of their responsibilities daily.

It is when Jayden (Kaitlyn Dever), a reckless and difficult teen, arrives at the home that this fine line is further blurred exposing even deeper layers of pain and struggle in Grace. We gain more glimpses into her delicate interior and begin to question whether maybe she would be better suited for life in the home than hold the supervisor position. Cretton begins to craft a connection between these two girls that functions as their catharsis, powerfully transforming them in the process.

Through extraordinarily sincere performances, precise direction and a script that breathes life into horrible experiences with soothing compassion, humour and wit, Short Term 12 succeeds in gracefully entering us into a complex world that not only fascinates and terrifies us, but ultimately strengthens our hearts.