Short Term 12

Brie Larson is very impressive as the caring, funny supervisor whose own demons threaten to engulf her.

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.

Despite the heavy subject matter, the film never bogs down into the daily grief it depicts, but maintains a jaunty current of humor that counterbalances its melodramatic content.

Short Term 12 thrives on the dangerous chemistry between its young, talented actors.

Ten years after its theatrical release, Short Term 12 remains nothing short of a masterpiece.

A movie that doesn’t lose itself in the typical Hollywood contrivances and forced melodrama...

It's a perfect example of the raw emotion and attention to detail that make Short Term 12 such a moving, unforgettable experience.

It's a quietly moving drama, so brilliantly written and performed.