Watch Short Term

Short Term is a heart-warming and realistic drama that tells an emotional story about a young woman named Grace. Tackling the themes of struggling to find one's place in a new environment, the fragility of life, and the power of human connection, the film provides an intimate look at the world of foster care. When we first meet Grace, she is a high school student who has just moved from Texas to California to live with her aunt. Her aunt's apartment is small, rundown, and overcrowded, and Grace immediately feels like an outsider. Struggling to adjust to her new environment, she finds solace in the company of her new friends at school and her passion for art. But Grace's life takes a dramatic turn when her aunt suddenly dies, leaving her with no place to stay.

Grace is taken in by a foster care agency and placed in a group home with several other teenage girls. The group home is run by a kind and compassionate woman named Mrs. Williams, who does her best to create a safe and supportive environment for the girls. But despite Mrs. Williams' efforts, the girls struggle with their own personal demons and find it hard to trust others.

Grace must navigate her new life in the group home, where rules are strict, and the other girls are often hostile. As she tries to make the best of her situation, Grace forms unexpected connections with some of the other girls, including a young girl named Maria and a troubled teenager named Marcus.

Shot in a quasi-documentary style, the film has a raw and authentic feel to it. The script is natural and unforced, and the actors deliver genuine performances, lending an air of authenticity to the story. The audience is drawn into the world of foster care, where each character has a unique backstory and their own set of struggles.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is its portrayal of the foster care system itself. The film doesn't glamorize or demonize the system, but it presents a nuanced and thoughtful view of the complex issues at play. From the overworked and underpaid social workers to the strict rules and regulations that govern the group home, the film offers a realistic and nuanced take on a system that is often oversimplified in the media.

At the heart of the film is the idea that human connection can be a powerful thing. Despite the difficulties that the girls face, they find comfort in each other's company and form friendships that are meaningful and lasting. And while life in the group home is far from perfect, the sense of community that the girls create gives them the strength to face whatever challenges come their way.

Short Term is a sensitive and thoughtful drama that offers a poignant look at the lives of foster children. With its naturalistic performances, empathetic script, and candid approach to its subject matter, the film is a moving meditation on the power of friendship, the resilience of the human spirit, and the importance of finding one's place in the world.

Short Term is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 17 minutes.