Review of Short Term 12 (2013) by Byron B — 23 Sep 2013

There are quite a few movies with teachers helping "underprivileged kids," but the setting of this indie is more unique. The title refers to a short term foster home where teens supposedly stay until the court decides on more long term placement.

Brie Larson is Grace, a young supervisor at Short Term 12. John Gallagher Jr. is Mason, one of Grace's co-workers and her boyfriend. Keith Stanfield, who also appeared in Cretton's short with the same name, is Marcus, one of the older teens who has had a longer stay at Short Term 12.

Stanfield also recorded the rap for the closing credits. Kaitlyn Dever, who also appeared with Larson in The Spectacular Now as a fellow high school student, is Jayden, a new arrival to the home. Grace seems to function better when she is helping the teens with their problems rather than dealing with the emotional trauma of her own life.

We get small glimpses of her background throughout, not through flashbacks, but when she shares stories that might help the teens. She is so compassionate and knowledgeable because she went through similar foster care.

Mason, we find out, was also a foster kid, who was adopted by a loving family. Marcus is preparing to age out of the foster home. Jayden is dealing with abuse similar to what Grace experienced. Grace struggles with memories of her father at the same time as trying to decide if she should start a family with Mason.

The leads and the few other supporting characters who are revealed a tiny bit form a well woven tapestry. It is emotional material that is delivered in a touching manner with lots of love and occasional laughs where appropriate.