Short Term 12

Short Term 12

Year: 2008

Runtime: 22 mins

Language: English

Director: Destin Daniel Cretton

Drama

In a group home for troubled teens, head counselor Denim works with counselor Natalia. Over one day they handle a fighting boy with a week left before his 18th birthday, a birthday girl, and other residents. Denim soothes a youth with music, mentors a new staff member, smokes a marijuana cigarette on break, and ends the shift talking with Natalia.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Short Term 12 (2008)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Short Term 12 (2008). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Contemporary era, early 21st century

The movie takes place in the present day, capturing social issues relevant in recent years. The contemporary setting highlights current attitudes towards mental health, foster care, and the complexities of adolescent development. It portrays a realistic view of modern juvenile care systems and personal struggles within that context.

Location

Short Term 12, a group home for troubled teenagers

Short Term 12 is a compassionate residential facility dedicated to helping teens facing emotional and behavioral challenges. It provides a safe yet structured environment where staff like Grace work to guide troubled youth toward stability. The setting reflects themes of redemption, healing, and the struggle to overcome past trauma.

🏚️ Care Facility 🧸 Child Welfare 🛠️ Rehabilitation Center

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:58

Main Characters – Short Term 12 (2008)

Meet the key characters of Short Term 12 (2008), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Grace Howard (Lakeith Stanfield)

Grace is a sensitive and resilient supervisor haunted by her own past. She is dedicated to helping her residents, especially Jayden and Marcus, while battling her internal emotional turmoil. Her struggles with openness and her unresolved trauma underpin her leadership at Short Term 12.

💪 Strong 💔 Haunted 💬 Empathetic

Jayden

Jayden is a troubled teenage girl with a history of self-harm and a traumatic past, including abuse from her father. She is emotionally distant yet shows moments of vulnerability. Her defiant behavior masks her need for love and security.

🎭 Rebellious 💔 Abused 🧠 Vulnerable

Mason (Adam Shapiro)

Mason is Grace’s supportive long-term boyfriend. He desires stability and marriage but is sensitive to Grace’s emotional unavailability. His character represents hope and patience amid chaos.

💓 Loyal 🧘 Calm 👫 Supportive

Marcus

Marcus is a teenage resident facing adolescence and the guilt of past trauma. His attempted suicide highlights his vulnerability and the intense emotional struggles faced by those in care. He symbolizes the impact of loss and the possibility of recovery.

🌊 Troubled 💔 Sensitive 🩺 Resilient

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:58

Major Themes – Short Term 12 (2008)

Explore the central themes of Short Term 12 (2008), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🩸 Trauma & Healing

At its core, the film explores deep emotional scars caused by abuse and neglect. Characters like Jayden and Marcus embody the lasting impact of trauma, and the narrative emphasizes healing and recovery. The story delves into how confronting past pain is essential for personal growth.

💍 Love & Relationships

The film examines complex romantic and familial relationships, highlighting the difficulties in opening up and trusting others. Grace’s relationship with Mason faces strain due to her emotional struggles, illustrating how trauma can affect intimate bonds. It underscores the importance of support and understanding.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:58

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Unlock the Full Story of Short Term 12

Don't stop at just watching — explore Short Term 12 in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Short Term 12 is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Short Term 12 Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Short Term 12, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Short Term 12 Summary

Short Term 12 Timeline

Track the full timeline of Short Term 12 with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Short Term 12 Timeline

Short Term 12 Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Short Term 12 that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Short Term 12 Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Short Term 12

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Short Term 12: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Short Term 12

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Discover movies like Short Term 12 that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.

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