A truly remarkable independent film that didn't stand a hope in hell of making it into the multiplex, this is a gem not be missed on a smaller screen. Based on the experiences of writer-director Cretton, who worked in a group home for at-risk teens, we meet an ensemble of tough kids and the somewhat dysfunctional 20-something woman who takes care of them. Grace–played with remarkable depth by Brie Larson–is real with her charges, allowing for a series of believable relationships to carry the story while she struggles with committing to her partner. This is the furthest thing from a hoary Hollywood take on troubled teens, but it's also not misery porn–it's just great storytelling . All I wished was for it to linger longer–96 minutes hardly seems like enough.
