Is Short Term 12 Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Short Term 12 is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 96 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Short Term 12 Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2013, Short Term 12 emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Grace, a compassionate young supervisor at a foster care facility, helps at-risk teens. Unlike standard genre fare, Short Term 12 attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Short Term 12 features a noteworthy lineup led by Brie Larson . Supported by the likes of John Gallagher Jr. and Kaitlyn Dever , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: The lead actors exhibit a remarkable range, navigating the emotional peaks and valleys of their respective characters with a precision that makes every motivation feel earned.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Short Term 12 (2013) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.8/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Short Term 12 Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Short Term 12 is a Drama film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. Grace, a compassionate young supervisor at a foster care facility, helps at-risk teens. But when a new charge dredges up memories of her own troubled past, Grace's tough exterior begins eroding. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The protagonist undergoes a meaningful transformation, with their journey feeling earned and emotionally resonant. Supporting characters are well-developed, each serving a purpose in the narrative.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's themes.
Short Term 12 Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Short Term 12 resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, creating a memorable conclusion that audiences have responded to positively.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes in a way that feels organic to the story.
The final moments of Short Term 12 demonstrate careful narrative planning, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Short Term 12?
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Drama cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate emotionally resonant character studies and meaningful themes
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
Short Term 12 Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $1.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $1.6M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Short Term 12 Budget
The estimated production budget for Short Term 12 is $1.0M. 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.
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Full Cast & Crew of Short Term 12
- Brie Larson – Grace Howard
- John Gallagher Jr. – Mason
- Kaitlyn Dever – Jayden Cole
- Rami Malek – Nate
- LaKeith Stanfield – Marcus
Top Highlights
Brie LarsonGrace Howard
John Gallagher Jr.Mason
Kaitlyn DeverJayden Cole
Rami MalekNate
LaKeith StanfieldMarcus
Kevin HernandezLuis
Melora WaltersDr. Hendler
Stephanie BeatrizJessica
Lydia Du VeauxKendra
Alex CallowaySammy
Where to Watch Short Term 12 Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
fuboTV
Fandor
Philo
Fandor Amazon Channel
Amazon Prime Video with Ads🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home
Spectrum On Demand🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Short Term 12 is rated R. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.8/10, and global collection metrics, Short Term 12 stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2013 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Short Term 12 movie hit or flop?
Short Term 12 is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.8/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Drama movies.
Is Short Term 12 worth watching?
Yes, Short Term 12 is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Drama cinema.
Where can I watch Short Term 12 online?
Short Term 12 is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. You can also check for it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, Fandor, Philo, Fandor Amazon Channel, Amazon Prime Video with Ads depending on your region.
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Critic Reviews for Short Term 12
It is one of those films that you really feel for the characters. Its story is very engaging, heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. I heard a lot about this film before. People kept saying it was one of the best films they have ever seen. While I cannot say the same, it is certainly a film I am glad to have seen now. Would I watch it again? Probably not, wouldn’t want to stress myself that much again. Would I make my friends watch it? Yes to that.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
