Short Term 12-Best Movie of the Year

There are few really exceptional movies that grip you for an emotional roller coaster and transcend reality.  Short Term 12 is such a movie.  It packs a visceral response that will stay with you long after the film.  The title refers to a group home for wayward teens who are physically & emotionally scarred.  Grace (Brie Larson) is the head of the group home where she co-works with her cohabiting lover (John Gallagher, Jr.)  The performances are so incredibly strong, not only from these 2 actors, but the entire cast of adolescents & adults that it is incredulous not to believe the acting stemmed from real life traumas.  I certainly hope not.  Regrettably, there is insurmountable abuse and cruelty in the world.  Thankfully, there are those who "accept and show someone what it's like to be loved."  And, with that care& support, obstacles can be overcome.  Marcus (Keith Stanfield) the frightened boy, about to turn 18 and then released from the home, rapped about his mother, "Not this time bitch. You ain't leaving me a choice. Wishing for something amazing in life not knowing what a normal life is like." Short term 12 will permanently meld to your heart.