The first trailer has been released for Short Term 12, the gem at this year’s South by Southwest Film Festival (SXSW) that took home both the Grand Jury and Audience Awards. Acquired by Cinedigm Entertainment (The Invisible War, Hell and Back Again, and Gasland) after it’s premiere in Austin, the film is set to hit theaters August 23.
For a film festival known for only having a few films each year that receive distribution deals, it is truly an accomplishment for the film to have been that picked up by Cinedigm. In a year where breakout stories dominated SXSW, the buzz surrounding Short Term 12 has not diminished since its premiere. However, though the film was a bona-fide crowd pleaser at the festival screenings, Cinedigm is trying to build word-of-mouth slowly so as not to generate backlash on its achievement. As shown in the trailer, Short Term 12 is a down-to-earth narrative compact with emotional scenes sprinkled with some light-dark humor.
The film is helmed by Destin Cretton, the writer/director of last year’s I am Not a Hipster. Short Term 12 is adapted from his 2008 Sundance award-winning short film. If his new film is anything like Hipster, audiences can expect a lovingly crafted and deeply engaging movie. The story centers around Grace, a twenty-something supervising staff member for an at-risk teens facility, and her difficulties with love and the troubled teenagers to whom she acts as a caregiver.
Starring as Grace, Brie Larson gives what is being called her breakout performance. Though she is known for her roles in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World and 21 Jump Street, Larson shines here with a commanding presence. You can also find her in supporting roles for the upcoming Sundance films Don Jon and The Spectacular Now. Short Term 12 also features Rami Malek (The Master) and Keith Stanfield as Grace’s boyfriend.
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