Short Term 12 (2013)
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Cast
as Grace
as Mason
as Jayden
as Nate
as Luis
as Dr. Hendler
as Jessica
as Sammy
as Kendra
as Jack
as Nurse Beth
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Critic Reviews for Short Term 12
All Critics (154) | Top Critics (42) | Fresh (152) | Rotten (2) | DVD (1)
Set in a foster-care facility outside of San Francisco, this independent drama is vivid and heartfelt in its depiction of social work, at times recalling some of Frederick Wiseman's great documentary portraits.
The film's climax feels a little rushed and overwrought, but the movie's real resonance is its exploration of empathy and vocation.
At times Short Term 12 seems uncertain where it's going, but this matches the circumstances of both staff and residents.
There's heart, soul and personality to burn in 'Short Term 12' ... But this is a film that, like many of its young characters, desperately needs to calm down.
"Short Term 12" is a sly wonder of a film. It brings you into its unique world and then slowly reveals its characters, letting them unfold gradually, organically.
It's one of the best movies of the year and one of the truest portrayals I've ever seen about troubled teens and the people who dedicate their lives to trying to help them.
Audience Reviews for Short Term 12
A delicate and complex character study that never romanticizes what it wants so say, being instead very down to earth in its approach to show us how an underprivileged childhood can create emotionally fractured adults whose uncured issues won't simply go away with time.
Super Reviewer
The foster care system is the most flawed institution in the United States, which is disheartening as many of the children in said system deal with abuse, loneliness, and mental health issues. "Short Term 12" comprises everyday goings on of a facility for kids who live between homes and the street, and the workers who help them. At the crux of the film is Grace (Larson) who leads the facility's workers and helps kids while also dealing with her own life. It's really quite sweet that Grace and her boyfriend Mason (Gallagher) have fragmented childhoods, and so they have to (rather than want to) help ease the pain of these children and the problems they face. In comparison is a college worker who would like to help, but doesn't know where to start. The performances from the child actors in this film are nothing short of astounding. Brie Larson commands complete presence onscreen, as Grace, a multi-faceted basket case who is always trying to do better, but inevitably has to fight her demons. This is a really sweet, funny, heartfelt film dealing with big issues in a sensitive and thoughtful way, which makes it highly recommendable.
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Short Term 12 Quotes
| Jessica: | How you feel? |
| Nate: | Not good. I mean, that was crazy. Do they just fight like that? |
| Jessica: | Nate, I'm not asking you how you're feeling. |
| Sammy: | Can we play Big and Small? |
| Grace: | Is that a real game, or is that a game you just made up? |
| Sammy: | It's a real game that I just made up. |
| Jayden: | You're going to make a great mom. |
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