Film: Short Term 12 (2013)
Cast includes: Brie Larson (The Spectacular Now), John Gallagher Jr. (Newsroom), Kaitlyn Dever (Last Man Standing)
Writer/Director: Destin Cretton (Deacon’s Monday)
Genre: Drama (96 minutes)
“Don’t worry about it… the first day is always tough.” Nate is the new staff member and Mason is trying to break him in. “There’s very little reality in Mason’s stories,” says Grace. But Mason is telling his story anyway, and it’s kind of funny… a tall dude, a bus ride and an explosive “taco fiesta in my stomach.” That’s when Sammy explodes out of one of the doors, running for the fence. “Let me go, you fucking animals,” screams Sammy as the three tackle him. “It’s ok Sammy, get it all out.” Apparently, Sammy’s trying to run away is a frequent occurrence at Short Term 12. It’s a foster care home that keeps kids until a “more suitable situation can be found.” Only, some aren’t so short term. “Learn to say No. You have to be an asshole before you can be their friend.” Grace recites the official policy… “You’re not their parent, not their therapist, not their friend.” At today’s “community meeting” we learn that Marcus is turning 18 and about to be leaving… and Nate gets introduced to the kids. “I’ve always wanted to work with under privileged kids.” Ouch! That touches off a nerve with Marcus. “You better think about your words!” Nate won’t make that mistake again.
In the administrator’s office, Grace learns about Jayden, a new girl who’s going to be coming on weekdays… staying with her dad on weekends… at least for the time being. “I told her father we’d take good care of her.” Apparently, her dad has some pull with the system. “I take good care of everyone,” says Grace. “No belts, do razors, no fucking freedom,” says Jayden. “No cussing,” says Grace. Jayden’s headed for a “level drop” on her very first day. She is obviously going to be a handful. After work, Grace has a doctor’s appointment… “The test did come back positive.” Grace knew it would. “Just make an appointment for Saturday.” “You don’t want to hear the options?” She doesn’t. At home, we see that Grace and Mason are living together. Mason can’t figure out why Grace has been so distant lately. “We haven’t had sex in 9 days and 13 hours. You’re gonna have to let me in your head once in a while.” It’s not just about sex… Mason truly loves Grace, despite all the barriers she throws up.
On the job, Grace often gets through to the ones that seem unreachable. But that isn’t simply skill… it’s because she’s been there. It’s probably fair to say they’ve all been there… although “there” is different for each young staff member. The administrator and the therapist are supposed to be the adults in the equation, but you can’t observe from afar and really know these kids… as we discover. This is an intelligent, sensitive and touching film… well written, acted and directed. It’s not as heavy handed as many films on this topic. With the collective baggage of every kid and every staff member, there’s always a potentially explosive situation waiting for someone to strike a match. Still, it’s possible to beat the odds. You just never know which disaster is going to take a positive turn. “You know we can do this. Right?”
3 popped kernels
Young staff members in a foster-care home are working hard to create a safe environment for their kids
Popcorn Profile
Rated: R
Audience: Grown-ups
Distribution: Art house
Mood: Sober
Tempo: Cruises comfortably
Visual Style: Unvarnished realism
Primary Driver: Character development
Language: True to life
Social Significance: Thought provoking
