“Wow,” I said as I left the screening of this meticulously crafted little miracle. Rarely have I been so effortlessly and unpretentiously moved. This is an unforced, character-driven and emotionally authentic look at the lives of those who undertake the day-to-day care of institutionalized, self-destructive kids between psychiatric appointments and foster homes.

Subject doesn’t thrill you? Go see it anyway. The central character is Grace (a breakout role for Brie Larson), who handles her charges with skill and perspicacity while hiding her own mounting problems. This movie will make you a better person. Japanese title: Short Term. (96 min)