On DVD and Blu Ray - "Short Term 12"- Brie Larson (21 Jump Street) plays a supervising staff member at a foster-care facility for at-risk teens while also harboring a few simmering conflicts of her own. Romantically involved with a co-worker (John Gallagher Jr.) yet experiencing intimacy issues that threatens their relationship, she makes a connection with a particularly troubled new arrival (Kaitlyn Dever) whose current situation parallels that of her own youth.
What I found here was a nicely textured and involving, serious-minded but never overbearing slice-of-life tale of damaged souls desperate to be loved, understood and accepted. The narrative avoids predictability and takes a few refreshingly unexpected detours- I was reeled in by the believable, sympathetic characters and several little golden moments strewn about. It's intelligent and tactful, well-written and directed and features a handful of fine performances. Larson is definitely one to keep tabs on while many will remember Keith Stanfield's turn as the deeply distressed but highly talented 17-year-old "Marcus"- yes, still waters run deep.
Short Term 12 is an indie gem that comes Highly Recommended.
8.5 out of 10
Director: Destin Cretton
Cast: Brie Larson, John Gallagher Jr., Kaitlyn Dever, Keith Stanfield, Stephanie Beatriz, Rami Malek, Alex Calloway, Kevin Hernandez, Lydia Du Veaux and Frantz Turner
Run-time: 96 minutes
MPAA: Rated R for language and brief sexuality
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