Short Term 12 Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: April 15, 2026
Movie Overview: Short Term 12
| Movie | Short Term 12 |
| Release Year | 2008 |
| Director | Destin Daniel Cretton |
| Genre | Drama |
| Runtime | 22 minutes |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Short Term 12 (2008) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.7/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Short Term 12 are led by Brad William Henke . The supporting cast, including Tania Verafield and LaKeith Stanfield , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
Short Term 12 stands out as a strong entry in the Drama genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Drama narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Short Term 12 has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Short Term 12
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2008, Short Term 12 is a Drama film directed by Destin Daniel Cretton. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Brad William Henke.
Ending Explained: Short Term 12
Short Term 12 Ending Explained: Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, Short Term 12 wraps up the main storyline while leaving some interpretation to viewers. The ending highlights the core drama themes developed throughout the film.
The emotional resolution focuses on the transformation of its main characters, particularly in scenes involving Brad William Henke. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the drama themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Short Term 12 reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch Short Term 12?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Brad William Henke or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: Short Term 12
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $3.0 |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Short Term 12 Budget
The estimated production budget for Short Term 12 is $3.0. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Short Term 12
All Cast & Crew →
Short Term 12 Parents Guide & Age Rating
2008 AdvisoryWondering about Short Term 12 age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Short Term 12 is 22 minutes (22m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.7/10, and global performance metrics, Short Term 12 is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2008 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Short Term 12 worth watching?
Short Term 12 is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Short Term 12 parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Short Term 12 identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Short Term 12?
The total duration of Short Term 12 is 22 minutes, which is approximately 0h 22m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
