Short Term 12 (2013)

The movie pulls off a tricky balance of imbuing its story with emotional weight while not coming across as cloying. Impeccable performances all around, especially from Brie Larson as the young supervisor.

The critic calls it the biggest surprise of 2013 for being fresh, funny and moving without resorting to inspirational tropes. They single out the meticulously crafted script and Brie Larson's standout performance for praise.

The finest and most wrenching American fictional movie so far this year, with a breakout performance by Brie Larson as a counselor whose empathy transforms therapy-speak into something profound. The young actors are extraordinary and the film leaves you shaken but not bereft.

The critic calls it a small wonder of exceptional naturalness and empathy that turns potentially generic material into something moving and intimate. It singles out Brie Larson's generous and persuasive performance as the staff supervisor.

The critic calls the film wonderfully fresh and genuine, commending its respectful treatment of damaged characters, natural performances, irreverent humour and cathartic moments.

The critic praises the film for crafting lived-in emotions drawn from real experience rather than voyeurism or sentimentality. They single out Brie Larson's nuanced performance as the damaged but compassionate carer Grace for particular praise.

The critic finds the film a powerful human drama told with honesty and compassion, elevated by a barnstorming performance from Brie Larson that makes Cretton one to watch.

The critic calls the drama affecting and moving, praising its sincere emotional intensity, realistic performances especially from Larson, and Cretton's direction based on personal experience.

The review highlights the delicate intensity of feeling in this drama about young lost people at a group home hoping to be found. It singles out the director's thoughtful choices and the terrific, persuasive performance by Brie Larson.

The review praises this compelling human drama for finding fresh energy in the inspirational-teacher genre and constantly revealing new layers to its characters. It singles out Brie Larson's thick-skinned supervisor as the most complex.

The greatest virtue is its intimate understanding of the people who work in such facilities and the symbiotic therapy at play. There is tremendous dramatic value in the aching scenes of the kids’ private torments, though the narrative often feels calculated.

The critic finds Brie Larson incredible as the dedicated supervisor Grace but notes that some plot turns are hard to swallow and one scene is absurd. They single out the authentic lo-fi atmosphere for praise while acknowledging the film's slight cheats for emotional effect.

While acknowledging the film's heart and charm and praising Brie Larson's performance, the critic finds it overwrought and manipulative, never quite ringing true for UK viewers.

The critic finds the film well-intentioned and sincerely acted but ultimately inauthentic, citing clichéd characters and a contrived ending that fails to convince.

The critic praises the film's earnest and honest portrayal of children’s suffering while noting its hopeful and humorous tone amid difficult situations. Larson’s forceful performance and Cretton’s directorial instincts, especially in camera placement, are highlighted as strengths.

The critic praises the film's delicate and truthful understatement that lets the humanity of its characters shine through naturally. It highlights the naturalistic approach to the group home setting and Brie Larson's revelatory lead performance.

A genuinely moving look at life in a group foster home that avoids most of the usual routes into viewers’ hearts. Brie Larson gives a breakthrough performance in an effortlessly balanced film that produces hold-your-breath moments.

Short Term 12 is a funny, moving, and emotionally resonant film that stands as cinematic perfection thanks to its mind-blowing performances, sharp writing, and beautiful direction. It excels in its natural handling of complex character turns and realistic portrayal of life in a group home for foster kids.

The critic praises the film's honest handling of emotional trauma through strong direction, script, and performances, especially Brie Larson's breakthrough role, noting it earns its emotional impact without being manipulative. The review highlights the seamless tonal shifts and the power of art in helping characters confront their pasts.

The film authentically captures the daily realities and emotional complexities of staff at a short-term foster care facility through sharp writing and a perfectly balanced tone of humor and heart. Brie Larson's riveting central performance anchors the story as a young woman confronting her own past while caring for the residents.

The review calls it a small film with a big heart that features star turns, particularly from Brie Larson as Grace. It singles out the natural, raw energy of the child actors and the director’s feel for banter that lightens the daily tribulations.

Destin Cretton crafts an authentic story of young counselors at a foster care center dealing with their own traumas while supporting troubled teens. The film's strength lies in its realistic characters and the standout performance from Brie Larson, who brings both fragility and strength to the role.

The film delivers a career-defining performance from Brie Larson as a dedicated supervisor at a foster care facility whose personal issues surface amid new arrivals and revelations. It stands out for its emotional range and authentic portrayal of the challenges faced by staff and residents.

The critic highlights the film’s nuanced performances and lo-fi aesthetic that reflect its realism, noting it as a rare work about life after abuse. The cathartic ending is called slightly overwrought but a minor quibble in this outstanding work.

The critic lauds Brie Larson's standout dual portrayal of a composed counselor and a traumatized young woman, calling it one of the year's great performances, while noting the film's strong ensemble work. It singles out the realistic depiction of staff and teens but criticizes the overly triumphant ending that prioritizes feel-good moments over harsher realism.

The critic commends the film's authentic portrayal of life at a foster care facility and its subtle exploration of lingering trauma through Brie Larson's nuanced performance as Grace. It singles out the strong ensemble and the way the story avoids easy resolutions while emphasizing tentative progress.