Short Term 12
Short Term 12 is quite a simple film but something I found
hard to describe but found this synopsis: it follows a supervisor (Grace played
Brie Larson) at a group home for at-risk teens, connects with a new resident
(Jayden played by Kaitlyn Dever) while facing a personal crisis of her
own.
Brie Larson’s portrayal of Grace is just very true, uncomfortable
and yet very funny. The performance just amplifies my growing appreciation for
her and makes me just want to watch every future film she’s in. Grace is a
character will boundless care and willingness to help this troubled youths and
yet in her own life, through a difficult upbringing that is slowly unravelled
in the film, she finds it hard to do the one thing she preaches and that’s to
communicate.
Other characters include Mason, played by John Gallagher Jr.
He is Grace’s love interest and partner, also being a supervisor at the home.
He is funny, generous with time and a seemingly perfect match for Grace yet
they seem to be apart or unbalanced in ways, which is explored in the film.
All the child and teenage actors are good, with a handful
getting some screen time and scenes. Two characters that are focused on are,
Marcus played by Keith Stanfield, who gives probably my favourite performance
of the film. A young man leaving this world of constant support and facing the
prospect of returning to the world that had damaged him with his up and coming
18th birthday. And Jayden, a girl whose life has yo-yoed in and out
of care due to her behavioural issues after a bereavement. It is her
relationship with Grace, which flowers humour but discomfort and truth telling.
This film walks a line between humour and harshness like a drunkard, not
knowing when but knowing it will stumble over at any point.
This film plays heavily on emotions and does so with the
soundtrack but also cold and warm colours. It seems to dim and lighten up as
the story unfolds. The visuals overall seems to expand then compact depending
on the fore characters mood or scenario. The music is well put together but
sometimes tries to tell you how to feel. The theme of our past profoundly
influencing our future is seen in every character: Grace, Mason, Marcus and
Jayden and every other child in the home and in some other staff members
too. I was left with this idea that it
is how current mentality and mind-set of the now, which ultimately shapes our
future. Not that our past will repeat itself but that our past, quite simply
shapes us, however clichéd that is.
Overall, a good and honest film.
Cheers and thanks for reading.
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