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9

section20mi6Feb 22, 2018

An untouched subject that generally overlooked by mainstream filmmakers featuring social workers and troubled teenagers explore personal losses and surroundings. With Larson's terrific performance and Cretton's compelling narrative, the filmAn untouched subject that generally overlooked by mainstream filmmakers featuring social workers and troubled teenagers explore personal losses and surroundings. With Larson's terrific performance and Cretton's compelling narrative, the film stands out as a unique gem in indie film making that underscores human connections and societal brutality.… Expand

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9

bfoore90Jul 15, 2017

Incredible film. Led by a great script that truly shows that there is good in all human beings, not to mention its also greatly acted by Brie Larson who gives off a very raw and emotional performance. All of the acting in this movie is spotIncredible film. Led by a great script that truly shows that there is good in all human beings, not to mention its also greatly acted by Brie Larson who gives off a very raw and emotional performance. All of the acting in this movie is spot on, I really can't say enough about how good this film is. The only minor flaw i had is with the pacing, it slows down and you almost start to feel like they were trying to stuff an extra 15 minutes into this movie when it could have been 15 minutes shorter. Overall score= 9.6/10… Expand

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10

johnem95Mar 7, 2017

Short Term 12 is a devastatingly real and emotionally resonant film with well-developed characters and superb performances. A beautiful movie that deserves to be seen!

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10

dante_bothermeApr 9, 2016

A beautiful, fun and moving film. The ensemble acting is realistic and heartfelt. The writing and dialogue are crisp. It brought me into a part of the world around me that I had been oblivious to. NOT TO BE MISSED!

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8

NRNSWJul 19, 2015

This movie is fantastic - full of wonderful performances, especially by the lead roles. There is a real heart and soul in this movie, and it leaves you feeling like you have spent the time well.

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9

rebelmswarJul 8, 2015

Even though the movie deals with a sore subject, one is left with a feeling of hope. A movie of feeling that will at times make you laugh and then bring you down to the basement with the characters. Certainly fantastic performances all aroundEven though the movie deals with a sore subject, one is left with a feeling of hope. A movie of feeling that will at times make you laugh and then bring you down to the basement with the characters. Certainly fantastic performances all around (seriously) and especially from the leading lady (fantastic.) I so want to know those characters; when a movie leaves you like that - it's good. A stellar effort.… Expand

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9

SpangleJun 12, 2015

A brilliant work no matter how you slice it, Short Term 12 is a film that, while watching it, I was frequently reminded of how much I love to watch movies. It was truly a film that, when it ended, I was left sitting there begging for there toA brilliant work no matter how you slice it, Short Term 12 is a film that, while watching it, I was frequently reminded of how much I love to watch movies. It was truly a film that, when it ended, I was left sitting there begging for there to be more to watch. Featuring stellar performances from Brie Larson, John Gallagher, Kaitlyn Dever, Keith Stanfield, and the entire cast, Short Term 12 is an emotionally powerful film about a group home for teenagers with extremely troubled pasts. Respectful about its subjects, the film's characters show incredible depth and the way they are able to dissect and reveal so much about this many characters in just an hour and a half run time is impeccable. It is easy to tell how well written this film is because its characters feel like people you know. You could see them just walking down the street, they are just so real. The film is also very well directed by Destin Daniel Cretton. Overall, Short Term 12 is an intimate, down to earth, film that will move and entertain you throughout. This film underscores all that is marvelous about cinema.… Expand

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10

daviduarteJun 8, 2015

This is a movie that connects with all human emotions at the same time, both good and bad. The degree of realism of human interaction is superb, and the characters are very well developed. This is one of those rare movies that touches you forThis is a movie that connects with all human emotions at the same time, both good and bad. The degree of realism of human interaction is superb, and the characters are very well developed. This is one of those rare movies that touches you for real, and leave you with that warm feeling inside.… Expand

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9

DCEdmondsNov 13, 2014

"Short Term 12" 10 Scale Rating: 8.5 (Fantastic) ...

The Good: Extremely well written, thought provoking, and powerful. Just amusing enough with well timed comedic moments that don't take away from the drama. Fleshed out characters who"Short Term 12" 10 Scale Rating: 8.5 (Fantastic) ...

The Good: Extremely well written, thought provoking, and powerful. Just amusing enough with well timed comedic moments that don't take away from the drama. Fleshed out characters who seem like real people and shows just what people go through who volunteer to help troubled teens. One of the best films of 2013.

The Bad: It gets a little messy in the middle and slows down a tad. It feels like they had an hour worth of material, but needed to get to an hour and a half.… Expand

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7

beingryanjudeSep 2, 2014

This is an independent film with an independent mind. For a film as simple as this, it sure is complex. Brie Larson is by far the finest achievement of Short Term 12. See it and see for yourself.

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10

Aidon_mMay 24, 2014

Short Term 12 represents all that is good in human beings. Everything feels so real. The direction. The dialogue and in particular the emotions. Not a weak performance and the result is an uplifting, thought provoking film. Possibly the mostShort Term 12 represents all that is good in human beings. Everything feels so real. The direction. The dialogue and in particular the emotions. Not a weak performance and the result is an uplifting, thought provoking film. Possibly the most human film in years.
Thank Jebus for Brie Larson… Expand

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10

ashseehApr 23, 2014

this is clearly one of the best films of the year. the screenplay, the direction, the acting, the casting, everything is incredible. most importantly, it has addressed an important issue very skillfully and flawlessly. 10/10

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9

adhamhanyMar 30, 2014

This is easily one of the best scripts of 2013.

It's interesting seeing how the characters' backstory is gradually revealed throughout the movie, and the characters are amazing to watch, thanks in large to great and captivatingThis is easily one of the best scripts of 2013.

It's interesting seeing how the characters' backstory is gradually revealed throughout the movie, and the characters are amazing to watch, thanks in large to great and captivating performances by the entire cast.

There is a lot of emotion in this work. In some scenes you feel like laughing, while crying in others, and you're deeply touched in all of them.

A very beautiful film, one which i'm surprised wasn't recognized in any way at the Oscars or the Golden Globe.… Expand

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10

nathanxu895Mar 27, 2014

Easily one of the best films of the year that delivers in every facet. Strongest is the incredible script by Destin Cretton and the wonderful characters, most especially the supporting characters that give credibility to a story about fosterEasily one of the best films of the year that delivers in every facet. Strongest is the incredible script by Destin Cretton and the wonderful characters, most especially the supporting characters that give credibility to a story about foster care facilities. Yes, Brie Larson is stellar and John Gallagher, Jr. is incredible with a kind of chemistry rarely on screen, but the small performances of the supporting cast are what really gave this film heart. It is heartbreakingly empathetic in ways only films can be. I cannot wait to see what director Destin Daniel Cretton.… Expand

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10

charlieburyMar 21, 2014

Short Term 12 gives itself time to take shape, but once we are on board it ends up becoming greatly powerful and passionate in its telling of vast emotional intricacy, determination and resonance. It is a simple film on paper, butShort Term 12 gives itself time to take shape, but once we are on board it ends up becoming greatly powerful and passionate in its telling of vast emotional intricacy, determination and resonance. It is a simple film on paper, but overwhelmingly deep in life, body and soul. It is a heartwarming film and a heart wrenching film. By the end, we have a big smile on our faces and see that our characters’ lives come full circle for the best intentions. You can’t expect or want more from this film.

Brie Larson gives a most natural performance as Grace who is in general charge of the facility, though she is not the boss, a psychologist or even a therapist. She is simply a friendly, kind and interactive role model for these hardened kids. Larson has been a gem on the indie screen for the last few years and she certainly has a long and lustrous career ahead of her. She carries the show here.

What is so wonderful about this film is that we get to meet and follow more than one resident’s story. This isn’t a plot overdrive, everything adds up justifiably and we should, in fact, be grateful. The film is perceived to avoid the loophole of sentimentality and offer a window into convincing and manifold characters. Destin Daniel Cretton, the director, reportedly worked as a staff member at a place such like the one shown in Short Term 12. This shows through his material and ability to bring together multiple stories with such fluency and emotional impact. He ensures his characters are worthy of love and attention.

A new arrival to the foster home, Jayden (Kaitlyn Dever) seems to be one of the most deeply troubled, and is a ‘cutter’ as they call it. It is through Jaydan that we learn more about Grace’s dark past, as they strike a sweet and subtle connection with one another. One may doubt Grace’s ability to stand in the position of authority that she holds; Grace is yet to see closure with her own issues, but she is great at what she does through her kindness of heart. It’s no surprise why she does this job: she doesn’t want anyone to have to suffer the same way she did.

Due to her deeply routed internal struggles, Grace struggles to give real intimacy; she cannot commit and is prone to sudden emotional bursts that seem completely irrelevant at the time. This is obviously a problem for her boyfriend of three years, Mason (John Gallagher Jr.). Mason is a nice guy and does exceedingly well not to grab his bags and head for the hills; he will fight for what he believes in. Mason tells two wonderful stories that act as opening and closure for the film. One is funny and sets the day-to-day tone of conversation and spirit in the workplace, whereas the other is one of inspiration and romance that ends the picture suggesting that all the characters have taken a path of elevation.… Expand

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2

leighfwarrenMar 16, 2014

Not believable. The history of the lead was improbable. More like a documentary but was too neatly linked up to a matching unbelievable conclusion. Tried to pull all the emotional strings, if you don't fall for it then waiting for theNot believable. The history of the lead was improbable. More like a documentary but was too neatly linked up to a matching unbelievable conclusion. Tried to pull all the emotional strings, if you don't fall for it then waiting for the ending was all that was worth waiting for.… Expand

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6

BestponyFeb 10, 2014

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. There's one thing in this film that almost destroyed for me: it has one of the most awkwardly shoehorned in happy endings I've ever seen. The plot goes in one direction, and then, literally 15 or 20 minutes before the end, the film goes "lol, just kidding" and everyone lives happily ever after. It's disgustingly sweet, completely unrealistic, and it feels like it was changed at the last moment because someone felt the original ending was too much of a bummer. The result is a fairly powerful, excellently acted drama that suddenly evaporates because, hey, it's a film and in films everything is always fine. So much wasted potential...… Expand

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10

katezoeJan 28, 2014

One of the best movies of 2013. Incredible performances and Brie Larson is AMAZING! Wonderful script. Tough subject matter beautifully handled. Loved everthing about the movie.

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9

LeZeeJan 25, 2014

This movie came with a surprise, keeping everything so simple. The director's first full length feature which is actually based on his short movie of the same name. This movie tells the story of a group of young foster-care home supervisorsThis movie came with a surprise, keeping everything so simple. The director's first full length feature which is actually based on his short movie of the same name. This movie tells the story of a group of young foster-care home supervisors and teenagers who live under their observation.

A realistic movie with well balanced between characters and its narration. It was very much original subject and also in a believable manner. The movie with not-so-popular actors had achieved something every beginner filmmaker wanted to prove their direction skills. From screenplay to performances, it was outstanding.

It all begins with a character Grace, a staff at a foster house facility and her co-worker as well her boyfriend, Mason. When a new staff joins them, soon, an another new kid called Jayden brought into the house under the supervision. After some incident Grace and Jayden begin to merge in emotionally for having a similar kinda previous events. Grace gets disturbed and her life begins to trouble the present. With all this, how she gonna face the current situation is the movie to be told in the remains.

It had a very good opening sequence. Later on it went little slow but I liked as it was described in such pace to bring quality in drama. The second half is what everyone is going to love the movie for carrying striking storyline. The sustainable pace and story with expansion in broad was the highlight of the last quarter of the movie narration.

As I expected it was not a commercial product, but definitely it will be recognizable in film festival arenas. It is not your usual movie that you had seen in Hollywood. Honestly, one of the 2013's best movie drama. 'Short Term 12' is the movie will be a turning point for many in their career, especially for the actress and the director.… Expand

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6

MarkAngelJan 17, 2014

The performances are great. However, I can't say the same thing about the way the subject matter is treated and presented. At times it felt embarrassingly over inflated, surreal and at some points, like a fairy tale. I think they tried toThe performances are great. However, I can't say the same thing about the way the subject matter is treated and presented. At times it felt embarrassingly over inflated, surreal and at some points, like a fairy tale. I think they tried to squeeze to much emotion in less than two hours. I've definitely seen more decent and way better movies about child abuse.… Expand

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9

BrianMcCriticJan 15, 2014

This is a fantastic indie drama. Brie Larson gives a breakout performance she captures a woman excited to help these children while dealing with her own demons. A

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10

MobyZJan 14, 2014

Holy **** What a great movie this is. A movie that has so much heart hasn't come by in a long, long while. Gravity, American Hustle and all those hyped up movies in contention for his year's Oscar pale in comparison to this movie. A greatHoly **** What a great movie this is. A movie that has so much heart hasn't come by in a long, long while. Gravity, American Hustle and all those hyped up movies in contention for his year's Oscar pale in comparison to this movie. A great script, some very real performances, amazing screenplay and perfect direction make this movie an instant classic. It will be etched in my mind forever.

Brie Larson, as Grace is exceptional and John Gallagher Jr. (of Newsroom) is extremely talented and right on the money as Mason. Kaitlyn Dever turns in a mature performance for a 17 year old and Keith Stanfield plays the subdued Marcus to a tee.

A must watch movie and easily one of the best, if not the best movie of the year.… Expand

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7

Trev29Jan 8, 2014

This movie could have came off as corny, but the characters are interesting and you feel sympathy for them. Not to mention, there was some good performances. It had a nice ending to top it off.

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10

Friskytiger81Oct 7, 2013

Easily one of the best films of the year that delivers in every facet. Strongest is the incredible script by Destin Cretton and the wonderful characters, most especially the supporting characters that give credibility to a story about fosterEasily one of the best films of the year that delivers in every facet. Strongest is the incredible script by Destin Cretton and the wonderful characters, most especially the supporting characters that give credibility to a story about foster care facilities. Yes, Brie Larson is stellar and John Gallagher, Jr. is incredible with a kind of chemistry rarely on screen, but the small performances of the supporting cast are what really gave this film heart. It is heartbreakingly empathetic in ways only films can be. I cannot wait to see what director Destin Daniel Cretton.… Expand

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10

pgutierrizOct 5, 2013

Short Term 12 is really well written movie with believable actors and characters. The lead role actors, Brie Larson and John Gallagher are exceptionally good and hold the movie. I can only imagine how tough it is to work in a facility withShort Term 12 is really well written movie with believable actors and characters. The lead role actors, Brie Larson and John Gallagher are exceptionally good and hold the movie. I can only imagine how tough it is to work in a facility with at-risk teenagers. My heart goes out to the abused, if feel their pain. Props go to Kevin Hernandez who lends some hot salsa flavor to the film. Overall a feel good movie. When I left the theater, the sun was particularly bright, I was in a somber mood and quiet was the day, that I broke into the tears. A MUST SEE FILM!!!… Expand

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8

canhenhaSep 30, 2013

"Short Term 12" is a film that could have fallen easily into the "movie of the week" context, with the dramas of child abuse, however director Destin Cretton, wisely chooses to follow Grace, a young woman who has survived difficult ordeals,"Short Term 12" is a film that could have fallen easily into the "movie of the week" context, with the dramas of child abuse, however director Destin Cretton, wisely chooses to follow Grace, a young woman who has survived difficult ordeals, and who wants to provide help and guidance for the children. The film allows for these characters to fully live and have dimension, and much of it's core and heart, comes from the interaction of the actors. The director is also very successful in capturing the frailty of children's lives and expectations, as is in the way it captures the hardship of a young relationship and the steps to becoming a responsible adult. The threads that the film successfully builds are as delicate as they are strong in it's emotional impact. Brie Larson has a fantastic performance as the experienced, yet frail Grace, as does Kaitlyn Dever as the young Jayden. The film also benefits from the beautiful cinematography from Brett Pawlak. A great film not to be missed.… Expand

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8

BHBarrySep 16, 2013

"Short Term 12" stars Brie Larson and John Gallagher, Jr. (“NewsroomJ in this beautiful and sensitive film written and directed by Destin Cretton. It has been my viewing experience that, in most instances, when the writer is also the director"Short Term 12" stars Brie Larson and John Gallagher, Jr. (“NewsroomJ in this beautiful and sensitive film written and directed by Destin Cretton. It has been my viewing experience that, in most instances, when the writer is also the director of the film, the movie tends to be too long and improperly edited since the creator can’t seem to delete and take out the unnecessary footage for fear of hurting his or her work. Objectivity usually is replaced by sentiment and loyalty to the original product, regardless of its effect on the audience. Mr. Cretton proved that the opposite can be true for this film is wonderfully edited and plays out smooth as silk as it tells the tale of staffers in a foster care facility and the problems they experience with their teen age wards. It should be noted that Mr. Cretton worked in such a facility so there is legitimacy and honesty in his writing about it. There are subplots and small divergences which make for an interesting cinema experience. Ms. Larson is a talented actress with natural beauty and ability and the script affords her the opportunity to utilize her thespian skills so that you are ab;e tp identify with her and the difficulties in her life. In spite of all of the travails facing these workers and wards,, the movie is uplifting and gives us all hope and the ability to believe that no one is beyond help and redemption. I enthusiastically recommend it and give the film an 8 rating.. Watch for some of the cast to be mentioned when Oscar time rolls around because there are performances in this film you will remember for a long time to come.… Expand

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9

netflicSep 9, 2013

This is Destin Cretton's second movie as a Director and a Writer. And I would say, a very impressive one.
The movie is about life in a facility for teenagers from abusive families. It focuses on kids
who live there and stuff who work there.This is Destin Cretton's second movie as a Director and a Writer. And I would say, a very impressive one.
The movie is about life in a facility for teenagers from abusive families. It focuses on kids
who live there and stuff who work there.
I found the movie incredibly honest and delicate. Very strong acting performance. Brie Larson
who plays Grace, in my opinion, deserves to be nominated for Oscar. Overall, it is an excellent movie.… Expand

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9

PieceofMineSep 4, 2013

Writer-director Destin Cretton's Short Term 12 is a marvel, an intimate look into the life of a young woman named Grace, a mature, resourceful, and damaged caretaker at a juvenile housing facility. From first shot to last, the film isWriter-director Destin Cretton's Short Term 12 is a marvel, an intimate look into the life of a young woman named Grace, a mature, resourceful, and damaged caretaker at a juvenile housing facility. From first shot to last, the film is stunning; it is emotionally vast, beautifully and intimately shot, and an incredibly acted success.

Short Term 12's subject matter lends itself to immediacy, and so the film presents its characters in stride, building up Grace, her paramour co-worker, ally, and confidant Mason, and the teenagers in their care with small, detailed brushstrokes for example, we learn who Mason is primarily through his natural storytelling ability as he introduces the facility to a new staff member; with anger-brimming older boy Marcus, it's a profound but not unbelievably polished rap session. These moments are expository without ever feeling forced or out of place; Cretton's mantra seems to favor an almost voyeuristic naturalism above all else. There are a few scant moments where the writing takes a turn for the more forced, especially when the script plays for laughs and the jokes stand out from the rest of the dialogue because they are so obviously structured for punchlines. These are easily forgiven, however, as the film quickly slips into its deeply sympathetic stages, teasing out the wracking pain and broken pasts buried within these kids, who quickly demonstrate that they're far more than the band of colorful misfits they initially present as. The aforementioned Marcus as the facility's veteran resident and a newcomer, Jayden, whose attitude and scarred over past most closely resemble Grace, play the primary fulcrums for Mason and Grace to pivot around. Instead of one great urgency that drives the narrative forward, there is a looser, short-story style that weaves its way through the film, thus adhering to its dropped-in, naturalistic feel. The conflicts these kids (and other adults!) introduce and the sympathies they engender are utilized as ways to explore, primarily, Grace's own frustrations, weaknesses, aspirations, and pain. Grace is the all-encompassing center stage here, and at its core, the film is very introspective, an elegant psychological portrait that strikes a near-perfect balance between what it shows and what it leaves for the viewer to surmise.

So, of course, we must talk about Brie Larson's superlative, sumptuous performance as Grace. This is as close of an embodiment of the now mythical strong female character as you're likely to see all year. She's immediately admirable and likable it's clear that she cares for these children and operates with a generous compassion and patience, but her balancing flaws are what make her truly stand out. Instead of a few individual negative traits (like the general impishness that infects every manic pixie dream girl derivative, or, say, emotional volatility because, you know, women are crazy), her demons form an almost terrifying certainly tragically cohesive whole. She's constantly receding from some past open wound, and it makes her at times prideful, stubborn, defiant, pitiful, and difficult. Her past and her person come together to form a character that understands how to fight through pain, and demonstrates courage through her resilience and fire, but is never quite sanctified and all the more laudably grounded for it. Though in broad strokes it is a rich and comprehensive and powerful portrayal, there are a few pinprick moments where the direction does seem to recede into comfortable cliche do we ever need another shot of a character looking vacant and troubled in the shower? Still, a few of these are easily forgiven, and the larger picture painted is still breathtaking. This centerpiece that is Grace owes equal dues to Cretton's heartfelt script and Larson's performance, the latter of which runs the gamut between optimistically aloof, passionate, distant, angry, and, when earned, triumphant, and she leaves nothing on the table.

Larson would stick out like a sore thumb, however, if her supporting cast didn't all rise to the challenge to extend the tapestry of her character into a fully realized world populated with all sorts of interesting. As Mason, John Gallager Jr. gives a far less showy but quietly stellar performance as Grace's partner in all things; if I had to nitpick, there are moments where he suffers from Gary Stu syndrome, but he has enough to do to quickly rise up as a formidably substantial character on his own. When Grace runs into adversaries, instead of being heartless bureaucratic hardasses like the DMV caricatures administrative types are usually presented as, they offer counter-arguments that are both logical and passionate, and Grace is far from always right. But we continue to root for her in tremendous ways, because she seems so knowable, because she's heartwrenchingly thorough, because this story, in spite of its sometimes angsty trappings, comes across as so personal and real.… Expand

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9

MarcDoyleAug 25, 2013

Extremely well-written film. This story has been told 100 times, but not nearly as elegantly as this time. And the two leads are simply outstanding. It would be a shame if Brie Larson isn't mentioned for her performance come award season.

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