Short Term 12 covers what occurs in the lives of 5 staff members and 5 youth at a group-home for at-risk teenagers over a 6 week period. The central character is a 20-something dorm and activities superviser named Grace, played by Brie Larson (herself only 23 years old, but who gives an amazing performance). Grace handles all the acting out which these youth -- many having been abandoned or abused by their families of origin, but as the film progresses, her character gets more and more interesting. The other main actors also give realistic and believable performances - of people trying to live, although facing deep crises of despair and often feeling it is not safe to expose yourself and risk further rejection.
As someone who has worked with troubled youth (as a volunteer), I will say that this is a deeply compelling film, which I strong recommend you go see.
