Short Term 12

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Short Term 12

R

2013

1h 36m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

98%

Tomatometer

174 Reviews

92%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

A supervisor (Brie Larson) at a group home for at-risk teens connects with a new resident (Kaitlyn Dever) while facing a personal crisis of her own.

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Critics Consensus

Short Term 12 is an emphatic, revealing drama that pulls audiences into the perspective of neglected youths.

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Geoffrey Macnab

Independent (UK)

Brie Larson is very impressive as the caring, funny supervisor whose own demons threaten to engulf her.

Rated: 3/5

Dec 10, 2013

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Ben Sachs

Chicago Reader

Set in a foster-care facility outside of San Francisco, this independent drama is vivid and heartfelt in its depiction of social work, at times recalling some of Frederick Wiseman's great documentary portraits.

Dec 10, 2013

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Liam Lacey

Globe and Mail

The film's climax feels a little rushed and overwrought, but the movie's real resonance is its exploration of empathy and vocation.

Rated: 3/4

Nov 15, 2013

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Cretton doesn’t shy away from showing the results of the brutalities life has hurled at these poor kids.

Rated: 3.5/4

Nov 5, 2025

Full Review

Danielle Solzman

Solzy at the Movies

Ten years after its theatrical release, Short Term 12 remains nothing short of a masterpiece.

Rated: 5/5

Dec 28, 2023

Full Review

Keith Garlington

Keith & the Movies

A movie that doesn’t lose itself in the typical Hollywood contrivances and forced melodrama...

Rated: 4/5

Aug 25, 2022

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tiantian C.

It is a very touching movie that ties struggles, love, pain, and interpersonal care into a net of warmth and comfy.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/21/25

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Austin J.

Loved it, my wife worked in a Juvy and this was great with her. Fun watch.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/09/25

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Ben H

One of the best drama ever made!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/29/25

Full Review

Kojo A

brie larson is brilliant

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/13/25

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Stephen C

Success in 1 hour and 36 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/07/25

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Faiz D

I just finished watching this film. Best 96 minutes I've spend in a LONG time! It was heartening and heartwarming at the same time. And that octopus story will stick with me forever. Brie Larson is such a great, young talent. She has just become my favorite heroine of the year.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/13/25

Full Review

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Destin Daniel Cretton

Director

Brie Larson

Grace

John Gallagher Jr.

Mason

Kaitlyn Dever

Jayden

Stephanie Beatriz

Jessica

Rami Malek

Nate

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33%

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Synopsis

A supervisor (Brie Larson) at a group home for at-risk teens connects with a new resident (Kaitlyn Dever) while facing a personal crisis of her own.

Director: Destin Daniel Cretton
Producer: Asher Goldstein, Maren Olson, Joshua Astrachan, Ron Najor
Screenwriter: Destin Daniel Cretton
Distributor: Cinedigm
Production Co: Animal Kingdom, Traction Media
Rating: R (Language|Brief Sexuality)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 23, 2013, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 15, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $1.0M
Runtime: 1h 36m

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