Film Review: Short Term 12 (15) (U.S.A. 2013) (Director: Destin Cretton), The Filmhouse Cinema Screen One, Edinburgh, Wednesday 20.11.2013, 20:30

This is a film I was curious about as was being very well received by critics with very little preemptive hype. It had been commented upon that this had taken critics by surprise, i.e. they were not being told beforehand that they should love it. I was further intrigued as it is set within a 'Foster Care Unit'. The film is classed as 'American Independent' and there really does appear to be no sops to hollywood.

This is an absorbing film with perfect performances across the board. It focuses upon a new kid moving into the foster unit and an older kid moving on from the unit, as well as focusing upon the stable staff group + their new member. Brie Larson plays the central adult part of the carer Grace who has her own difficulties from her past to contend with. Despite saying the performances are great across the board, Brie Larson does deserve particular mention as the wisened though tough gentle care giver. 

It feels very difficult to pinpoint why this film is so good, except to say that it has considerable depth in it's depiction of human communication. The film also treads a fine line and has a good balance of the shitty reality of these kids past and the possible positivity of their present and future due to the stable environment of the foster unit. It never feels overly hopeful or clawingly sweet allowing elements to have a good grounding in the real present. 

I have a sense that there are elements of this film that will stay with me for some time to come. I think this film serves as a positive reminder that at times it is enough to get from one day to the next with people who are a stable and consistent force in your life. This feels to be a very good portrayal of how unit's like this can a times be a good place for a child to be.

Rating: 10/10.