'Short Term 12' indie film of the year: 12 reasons to see it

The indie film of the year is Short Term 12. Some critics are already deeming it one of the best films of the year, period. Think Diablo Cody's Juno with even more character layers and grit (but still, humor just when you need it).

You've seen lead Brie Larson in Showtime's The United States of Tara, which is actually created, written and produced by Diablo Cody. Larson has also been in 21 Jumpstreet and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.

The unexpected delight of an indie film that cuts to the core is heightened when you go into it not knowing many details. So we'll keep this vague -- here are 12 reasons you should see this film.

1.     You get to see John Gallagher Jr. in a different role than The Newsroom. (Though he still is the witty, good guy.)

2.     As far back as this summer, there has been Oscar chatter for 24-year-old Brie Larson.

3.     Support indie! This film started out as just a short and they were able to expand it into a feature-length film, with changes to the story.

4.     It has a Certified Fresh rating of 99% on Rotten Tomatoes. Even Gravity has a 97%.

5.     You may just laugh and cry more than you did in Gravity. OK, yes they are very different films to compare...  

6.     Even though the story is fiction, the setting is a foster-care facility. The plot ends up touching on real-life issues, which are salient for every audience-goer to be reminded of.

7.     It's already racked up awards in festivals, such as the Narrative Audience Award and Grand Jury Narrative Feature at SXSW Festival this year.

8.     There are a ton of teenagers in the cast who all give solid performances (Kaitlyn Dever is one.)

9.     According to the Daily Beast, Larson shadowed a facility to get a real feel for her role, in addition to the usual research.

10.  Newcomer Keith Stanfield gives a moving performance, and rising star Rami Malek is adorable.

11.  It's written and directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, another up-and-comer who deserves to start getting more of the spotlight the usual suspects get.

12.  Chances are you will walk out of the movies feeling a satisfied mix of emotions, none of them very predictable.

Keep Larson on your radar in the music world, too. She had a record deal with Universal Records and released an album in 2005. But her new material will likely go in a new direction.

What have you heard of this film so far? Will you see it?