A girl has to have a pretty thick skin to work at a halfway house for wayward youth. And there’s likely no one that can relate to these kids better than someone not much older than them, especially if that person has some dark secrets of her own.
Mason (John Gallagher Jr.) and Grace (Brie Larson) struggle with their present and future in "Short Term 12". Photo by Brett Pawlak
In the film festival favorite Short Term 12, Brie Larson plays the aptly-named Grace, a young caretaker who has a special knack for relating to the residents of a foster care facility in a calm and understanding way. But her outwardly-compassionate persona comes from some inner struggles that are quickly thrust to the surface when she finds out she and her boyfriend/coworker Mason (John Gallagher Jr.) have an unexpected surprise arriving in about nine months. As if that’s not reason enough for Grace’s emotional fall, she also develops a quick connection with Jayden (Kaitlyn Dever), a troubled teen whose bad attitude and sarcastic wit remind her a bit of herself.
Transitioning from childhood to adulthood is never an easy time, but it becomes even more captivating when childhood traumas carry over into adulthood. Grace is confronted by a disturbing past that becomes more apparent as she helps Jayden and Marcus (Keith Stanfield) overcome their own secrets and fears, as well as contemplating her own future with Mason. It’s an emotionally precarious position to be in, and Larson handles the role with humor, compassion and, well, grace. Grace’s past is what allows her to be so matronly and motherly, which, in turn, earns her the respect of those under her care and her peers alike. But coming to terms with the abuse she suffered as a child prevents her from being able to open up to even those closest to her.
Grace (Brie Larson) heads down an unknown path in "Short Term 12". Photo by Brett Pawlak.
As the lines between Grace’s personal and professional lives become all the hazier, she sets out to find closure with her own past by helping Jayden and others come to terms with their problems. Though she initially follows some dark paths, she (with the help of those under her care) is able to find some peace and make what seem to be the healthiest decisions given her disparate circumstances. In what is easily her breakout performance, Larson conveys the outward strength and inner frailty of Grace in ways that will likely catapult her from supporting roles in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, 21 Jump Street and The Spectacular Now to more complex starring roles. And for writer/director Destin Daniel Cretton, Short Term 12 should create more long-term film-making success.