SHORT TERM 12 - Review

Written and Directed by: Destin Cretton

Rated R for language and brief sexuality

Release Date: August 23^rd, 2013 (limited)
Review by: Sean Kayden

“Short Term 12” is a moving drama about Grace (Brie Larson), a fierce yet fragile twenty-something year-old supervisor at a foster-care facility for at-risk teenagers. In addition to navigating through the trouble waters at the group home, she is dealing with her own personal issues and difficult past. However, by her side is her long-term boyfriend and co-worker, Mason (John Gallagher Jr.). When a problematic teenage girl enters the facility, Grace is reminded of her past that she’s tried to put behind her. This leads to an electric connection between the two girls. With a subject matter that is often ominous and multifarious, “Short Term 12” easily finds the balance of drama and humor in the most unexpected scenarios. Destin Daniel Cretton’s second feature film (adapted from his own short film) supplies superb performances, razor-sharp writing, and stunning direction. “Short Term 12” is sincerely poignant and an exceptional movie going experience that should not be missed by film lovers of all ages.

Brie Larson is going to be the next big star. Her portrayal of Grace, the leader at the group home, is simply marvelous. I hate to even call it a “performance” because she basically sinks so deep into this character that it feels overwhelmingly real. The entire film doesn’t seem like a work of fiction, but as if we’re watching the lives of real people as the cameras shoot their daily lives. Larson is a revelation and this breakthrough accomplishment will undoubtedly put her on everyone’s radar in Hollywood. As for the film itself, “Short Term 12” is nothing short of extraordinary. Deeply emotional, severely emphatic, and dashes of authentic humor mixed in for good measure, “Short Term 12” quite possibly may just be a masterpiece. All the supporting players are terrific as they are uniformly convincing in their given roles. “Short Term 12” packs every kind of punch possible and each one is a knockout.

If there’s anything wrong with “Short Term 12,” I couldn’t find it. The whole film works like magic. It’s a prime example of not only what independent filmmaking is truly all about, but also all cinema alike. It will move you, send chills down through your body, and may even have you shedding a tear or two. At the same token, it’ll toss a few laughs your way, inspire you, and have you leaving the theater with a smile. If that’s not a rare experience these days, I don’t know what it is. “Short Term 12” is the best American film of 2013 so far.

Grade: 5 out of 5

Published by Mountain Views News on September 14th, 2013
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v07/htm/n37/p16.htm