An independent movie focusing on the consequences of child abuse does not sound like the year’s most uplifting film but, somehow, Short Term 12 has managed to be just that.

Set almost entirely within a foster care facility, its heavy themes do mean we plunge down the kitchen sink on more than a few occasions. But pick underneath the scab of tragedy and you’ll discover a story, and a whole community, that rejoices in the regenerating effects of human kindness.

Short Term 12 is incredibly sad, yes, but there’s a lot of sugar to be found amongst the grit, too.

Impeccably performed by the whole cast, Short Term 12 is an exhausting ride through every emotion possible. Destin Cretton beautifully illustrates that abuse is a cancer, but kindness is contagious.

RATING: 4/5

INFORMATION

CAST: Brie Larson, John Gallagher, Jr., Kaitlyn Dever, Rami Malek, Keith Stanfield

DIRECTOR: Destin Cretton

WRITER: Destin Cretton

SYNOPSIS: Grace, a staff member in a foster care facility, looks after those she is responsible for while trying to deal with her own traumatic past.