Short Term 12 Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A pregnant lady who supervises troubled teens learns to deal with her own trauma after befriending a new troubled teen, and also there’s a heartfelt rap.

🍿 Short Term 12: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Short Term 12 and Its Staff

The film introduces Grace, a dedicated supervisor at Short Term 12, a residential facility for at-risk teenagers. She works alongside her boyfriend, Mason, creating a supportive environment for the troubled youth. The opening scene depicts the everyday chaos of the facility, highlighting the challenges and rewards of their work.

Grace’s Pregnancy and Emotional Struggles

Grace discovers she’s pregnant and schedules an abortion, struggling to reconcile her difficult past with the prospect of motherhood. She finds it hard to open up to Mason about her fears and plans, straining their relationship. This internal conflict becomes a central theme throughout the movie.

The Arrival of Jayden and Mirroring of Trauma

Jayden, a new resident with a history of self-harm, arrives at Short Term 12. Grace forms a bond with her, recognizing similar traumas in their pasts. As Grace tries to help Jayden, she’s forced to confront her own painful experiences of abuse.

Marcus’s Departure and Emotional Turmoil

Marcus, a resident nearing his 18th birthday, struggles with leaving the facility and facing the outside world. His anxieties and fears highlight the difficulties faced by young adults transitioning out of the foster care system. His attempted suicide intensifies the emotional atmosphere at Short Term 12.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Grace (Brie Larson): Grace is a young supervisor at Short Term 12, grappling with her own traumatic past while caring for at-risk teenagers.
• Mason (John Gallagher Jr.): Mason, Grace’s supportive boyfriend and co-worker, provides stability and humor while dealing with his own experiences as a former foster child.
• Jayden (Kaitlyn Dever): Jayden is a troubled and resilient teenager at Short Term 12, whose arrival triggers Grace’s past traumas and leads to a complex bond between them.
• Marcus (LaKeith Stanfield): Marcus, an introspective resident nearing his 18th birthday, fears leaving Short Term 12 and expresses his emotions through rap.
• Nate (Rami Malek): Nate, a new staff member at Short Term 12, struggles to connect with the teenagers and learns the complexities of their world.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Grace: “I care about these kids, but sometimes, it’s like… I’m just dog-paddling.” – Grace expresses her overwhelming feelings while trying to manage her own life and the intense needs of the kids at Short Term 12.
• Mason: “You need to get ready because it’s so unbelievable it’s going to seem fake, but I promise you it’s not, Grace will vouch for me… It’s a storyteller’s wet dream.” – Mason’s humorous opening story to Nate, designed to both entertain and introduce the reality of working at the facility.
• Grace: “We’re not their parents or their therapists. We’re just here to create a safe environment.” – Grace explains to Nate the core responsibility of the counselors at Short Term 12 and the boundaries they must maintain.
• Jayden: “The shark… he ate the octopus because that’s what he thought friends were for.” – Jayden reveals the heartbreaking meaning behind her story, expressing her feelings of betrayal and disillusionment.
• Marcus: “Living a life not knowing what a normal life’s like.” – A poignant line from Marcus’s rap, capturing the isolation and uncertainty felt by many of the residents as they approach adulthood.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $400,000
• Domestic Gross: $1,013,100
• Worldwide Gross: $1,645,164

💥 Short Term 12 Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely blown away by Short Term 12. It’s one of those movies that just grabs you and doesn’t let go. Brie Larson is incredible, and the way the film handles the stories of these kids is so real and moving. I cried, I laughed, and I felt everything right along with them. The scene where Marcus performs his rap… that hit me hard. And the octopus story? Absolutely heartbreaking. This movie is a must-see, plain and simple.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of indie dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in social issues and mental health”
  • “Those who appreciate character-driven stories”
  • “Audiences who enjoy Brie Larson’s performances”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Deals with themes of child abuse, self-harm, and suicide”
  • “Contains strong language”
  • “May be emotionally triggering for some viewers”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Short Term 12 isn’t just a movie; it’s an experience. Brie Larson’s performance is captivating, and the film’s raw honesty makes you feel deeply connected to these characters. This is indie filmmaking at its finest, with a story that stays with you long after the credits roll.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Destin Cretton’s Short Term 12 is a sensitive and moving portrayal of life inside a foster-care facility. Larson shines as Grace, a counselor grappling with her past while trying to help the troubled teens in her care. The film’s strength lies in its authentic and nuanced performances.
• Variety: “Short Term 12 is a beautifully crafted film that handles difficult subject matter with grace and empathy. Cretton’s direction is assured, and the ensemble cast delivers powerful performances. This is a film that will stay with you long after you’ve seen it.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved the film’s raw honesty and its ability to make them feel deeply connected to the characters.: The authenticity of the performances and the emotional depth of the story resonated strongly with audiences.

The relatable characters and realistic portrayal of the foster care system was moving.: The way the film deals with difficult subject matter like abuse and self-harm with sensitivity and compassion.

Overall Consensus: Short Term 12 is a critically acclaimed and emotionally resonant film praised for its authentic portrayal of life in a foster care facility and its powerful performances.

Awards

1. SXSW Film Festival (Grand Jury Award)- 2013
2. SXSW Film Festival (Audience Award)- 2013
3. Independent Spirit Awards (Best Editing)- 2014

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Destin Daniel Cretton based the film on his own experiences working in a group home for troubled teens for two years.”
• “LaKeith Stanfield is the only actor to reprise his role from the original ‘Short Term 12’ short film (2008).”
• “To achieve a naturalistic feel, the director encouraged improvisation and allowed the actors to bring their own experiences and emotions to their roles.”

🖥️ How to Watch Short Term 12?

Short Term 12 is currently available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it on Prime Video with a subscription, or rent/purchase it from Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Short Term 12, you might like these similar films:

• The Florida Project (2017): Focuses on the lives of children living in poverty and the adults who try to care for them, with similar themes of resilience and vulnerability.
• Captain Fantastic (2016): Explores unconventional parenting and the challenges of preparing children for the real world, similar to the staff’s efforts at Short Term 12.
• Good Will Hunting (1997): Explores themes of trauma, found family, and the healing power of connection, with a focus on a troubled young man finding guidance.
• Room (2015): Deals with the aftermath of trauma and the challenges of adjusting to a normal life after a period of intense hardship, highlighting resilience.
• Girl, Interrupted (1999): Set in a mental institution, exploring themes of mental health, identity, and the complex relationships between patients.

🛒 Short Term 12 Related Products

• Short Term 12 (Blu-ray): Own a piece of cinematic excellence with the Short Term 12 Blu-ray. Experience the film’s emotional depth and stellar performances in high definition.
• Brie Larson Signed Short Term 12 Movie Poster: A rare and valuable piece, this authentic poster signed by Brie Larson adds prestige to any collection. Own a memorabilia of her outstanding performance.
• The Spectacular Now (Featuring Brie Larson): Explore another fantastic performance by Brie Larson in this coming-of-age story. A great addition to your movie collection.
• John Gallagher Jr. – ‘American Idiot’ Cast Recording (Music): Showcasing his incredible musical talent from the Tony-award winning musical American Idiot.

🎧 Soundtrack

Short Term 12 features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “After Party” – performed by Keith Milgaten and LaKeith Stanfield
• “So Many Things To Say” – performed by Emile Mosseri

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

How Three Phase Electricity works – The basics explained

Curious about how three-phase electricity works? This video breaks down the basics in a clear and engaging way. It’s a must-watch for anyone interested in the technical aspects of the film.

The Russian Revolution (1917)

Want to know more about the Russian Revolution? This animated video provides a quick and informative overview of the events that shaped the film’s historical backdrop. It’s a great way to brush up on your history before watching.

Short Term 12 Official Trailer #1 (2013) – Brie Larson Movie HD

Intrigued by the character in the film? This trailer offers a peek into her life as a supervising staff member at a foster care facility. It’s a great way to get a sense of her resilience and the challenges she faces on a daily basis.

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