About this episode

The episode discusses the film Short Term 12, its critical reception, and the careers of its cast and director.

With Spider-Man: Brand New Day arriving in theatres this week, we’re looking back at director Destin Daniel Cretton’s 2013 debut, Short Term 12. Launched at SXSW and distributed in late summer by micro-indie Cinedigm, the film earned major critical support for its portrait of a child group home populated with compelling characters, both among its residents and the counselors who care for them. Though the tiny film was an unlikely candidate to make it to the big show, Brie Larson earned a Critics Choice nomination that helped boost her Oscar-winning run for Room two years later. This episode, we talk about Cretton’s later reuniting with Larson over subsequent films and the cast full of future major names like Rami Malek and Kaitlyn Dever. We also discuss Lakeith Stanfield’s powerful (and musical) performance as the most enigmatic resident, John Gallagher Jr.’s Tony win for Spring Awakening, and the 2013 Independent Spirit Awards.

People in this episode

Hosts: Joe, Chris

Topics covered

• film analysis
• independent cinema
• actor performances
• Oscar buzz
• directorial debut
• character study

Keywords

• Short Term 12
• Destin Daniel Cretton
• Brie Larson
• independent film
• SXSW
• Oscar
• character development
• Lakeith Stanfield

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Cinedigm

Books & works: Short Term 12, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Room, Spring Awakening

More episodes of This Had Oscar Buzz

• 404 – Hedwig and the Angry Inch · September 7, 2026 · 2h 7m
• 403 – The Homesman (with Richard Lawson!) · August 31, 2026 · 2h 8m
• 402 – The Return · August 24, 2026 · 2h 9m
• 401 – Playing By Heart · August 17, 2026 · 2h 34m
• 400 – Town and Country · August 10, 2026 · 2h 50m
• 399 – Lovely And Amazing (with Jeff Hiller!) · August 3, 2026 · 1h 60m

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the This Had Oscar Buzz podcast page.