Review of Short Term 12 (2013) by Matthew G — 22 Jan 2014

After months of waiting to see this, I finally ordered this online as a blind purchase, which I rarely do. The rave reviews had me interested, so I thought I would give it a shot, and this turned out to be my favorite film of 2013.

Prisoners was initially my top pick, and the academy's favorites didn't even come close to dethroning it from my list. Then I finally saw Short Term 12. I cannot think of another film that holds so much emotional weight, while also remaining lighthearted (often laugh out loud funny) and so real with the interactions between the characters. The film could've easily taken some typical route filled with unnecessary melodrama or even throwing in some love triangle, but it didn't.

It's also worth noting that Brie Larson was robbed for not bring nominated this year. This was hands down the best performance by an actress this year, I don't know how this film was overlooked altogether by the Academy.

I cannot recommend this film highly enough. You'll laugh, maybe even cry, but once it's over you will feel like you've truly seen a great film. This is undoubtedly a masterpiece.