Film review: Short Term 12 (15)

Destin Cretton's well-crafted and cleverly written drama is set in a group home for troubled teens who have suffered abuse of one sort or another. Some are aggressive. Some self-harm. Others are suicidal.

At first, we are shown these kids from the perspective of their carers, who are in their early twenties and show humour as well as extraordinary patience in looking after the kids.

Slowly, the focus changes and Cretton begins to probe at the insecurities of the carers, who come from difficult backgrounds themselves. Brie Larson is very impressive as the caring, funny supervisor whose own demons threaten to engulf her.