Brie Larson has had a pretty good year.
She pulled off a solid performance in the Sundance standout “The Spectacular Now,” delivered perhaps the most important line in Joseph Gordon Levvitt’s new feature “Don Jon,” and now, with her newest release “Short Term 12,” Larson makes her case as the country’s most compelling, and most talented, up-and-coming actress.
In the movie, Larson plays Grace, a social worker of sorts who oversees the day-to-day operations for foster kids in the latter part of their stay.
This isn’t “Oliver Twist.”
The teens under Grace’s supervision are disturbed, bothered by either the thought of impending adulthood or the threat of abusive parents thus making Grace’s job as challenging as it is rewarding.
Grace lives with Mason, a bearded hipster-type who also works at the “Short Term 12” living facility. John Gallagher Jr. plays Mason.
It’s hard to pinpoint a defined catalyst in “Short Term 12” as director Destin Daniel Cretton practically immerses his audiences into the world of Grace and Mason from the movie’s get-go.
However, most of that initial informality comes from Larson’s shear talent on the screen.
With Grace, Larson is able to convey two personas at once; one being the tough, level-headed foster parent, the other a sand-paper rubbed-raw soul that is deeply disturbed by her traumatic past.
It is from her past that Grace is able to connect with “Short Term 12’s” newest tenant Jayden, a black-clad teen that, much like her music, screams with angst.
Jayden’s particular backstory drives Grace to the edge of both her professional and personal life.
While the story is crafted around Jayden and Grace’s bonding, another true standout is Keith Stanfield as Marcus.
Marcus is the home’s oldest tenant and is just weeks away from starting his life as an adult. Stanfield digs deep and delivers a gritty performance that never feels inauthentic.
By definition, “Short Term 12” is an ensemble piece, however, with Larson’s screen-stealing performance, it’s hard not to label it a character study.
Labels aside, the movie’s just plain, old-fashioned good.
“Short Term 12” opens at the Angelika Dallas today and expands to the theater’s Plano location Sept. 13.
