Watch Short Term 12

Short Term 12 is a 2013 indie drama directed by Destin Daniel Cretton. It stars Brie Larson as Grace Howard, a compassionate but troubled supervisor at a group home for at-risk teenagers. The film follows her and her colleagues' experiences working at Short Term 12 and their efforts to connect with the kids in their care. The movie's plot revolves around Grace who finds herself struggling with her own traumatic past while trying to help the kids who have suffered similar experiences. Her boyfriend and coworker, Mason (John Gallagher Jr.), tries to support her, but their relationship is also tested as Grace's issues become more pronounced.

The main characters in the movie are the teenagers who live at Short Term 12. While the film does not focus exclusively on any one of them, each of the characters is given a chance to share their story and connect with the audience on an individual level.

There's Marcus (Keith Stanfield), a talented rapper who's about to turn 18 and age out of the system; Jayden (Kaitlyn Dever), a new resident who's struggling with self-harm and a complicated relationship with her father; and Luis (Kevin Hernandez), a resident with a ferocious temper who has been involved in gang activity.

One of the most powerful aspects of the film is its ability to depict the nuances of teenage trauma. The kids at Short Term 12 are dealing with everything from neglect and abuse to addiction and mental illness. But the movie never treats these issues simplistically or melodramatically. Instead, it presents them as complex and messy, often sidelining them to offer characters who are whole human beings beyond their situations.

Despite its heavy subject matter, Short Term 12 also has moments of humor and warmth. The relationships between the staff and the teenagers are touching and authentic, with scenes depicting heartfelt moments of personal communication and camaraderie.

One of the most effective scenes in the movie is when Mason approaches Marcus and raps to him, showing a shared appreciation for his music and talent. This moment shows the heart of the film, as it focuses largely on people's ability to find common ground.

With its sensitive portrayal of trauma and heart-warming portrayal of human connection, Short Term 12 is a heartrending film. It is a masterful indie drama that serves as an ode to the people who work with teens in group homes and other facilities.

Short Term 12 is a 2013 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9 and a MetaScore of 82.