States of Grace

This film and its creators deserve a lot of admiration, just like the social workers in similar centres and institutions. It doesn’t have any known faces or great production values, but it does have a strong topic, a convincing execution and effective emotions. And outsider on paper – even the synopsis is not very attractive – but it’s actually one of the best indie films of last year. (12/01/2014)

Short Term 12 is a pleasant, subtle, independent film that will surprise you with its power. Brie Larson plays the character of Grace, caring supervisor at a foster-care facility for at-risk teenagers who tries to help these kids. Progressively we discover that her own past is very troubled. She sees herself in a newly arrived teenager, Jadyn, whose pain and traumas open up Grace's own old wounds. The film mixes atmosphere brilliantly: the fates of the children are challenging, but the emotions are portrayed unobtrusively, and by the end, you're left with a pleasant sense of hopefulness. Brie Larson gives one of her best performances here. (10/07/2023)