12 and Holding

**12 and Holding** is a 2005 American drama film directed by Michael Cuesta.

The film first premiered in Canada at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 11, 2005 and was given a limited theatrical release on May 19, 2006 by IFC Films.

## Plot

After his twin brother, Rudy is accidentally killed by vengeful bullies, 12-year old Jacob Carges (Connor Donovan) and his friends face the harsh realities of death, teenage hormones and family dysfunction.

## Cast

* Connor Donovan as Jacob Carges/Rudy Carges
* Jesse Camacho as Leonard Fisher
* Zoe Weizenbaum as Malee Chuang
* Jeremy Renner as Gus Maitland
* Annabella Sciorra as Carla Chuang
* Linus Roache as Jim Carges
* Adam LeFevre as Gabe Artunion
* Jayne Atkinson as Ashley Carges
* Marcia DeBonis as Grace Fisher
* Tom McGowan as Patrick Fisher
* Joseph "C.J." Foster as Keith Gardner
* Martin Campetta as Jeff
* Michael Fuchs as Kenny

## Box Office

During its limited release, "12 and Holding" grossed $11,456 at the box office and $119,195 worldwide on an estimated budget of $400,000.

## Critical Reception

The New York Times wrote:

*"This is the exceedingly rare film that understands how lonely, insecure preadolescent children can become so consumed by their feelings that they lose sight of ordinary boundaries and unconsciously act out their parents' darkest fantasies of passion and revenge."*

Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times said:

*"Twelve and Holding could have been a series of horror stories, but the filmmakers and their gifted young actors somehow negotiate the horrors and generate a deep sympathy."*

Ken Fox from TV Guide Magazine said:

*"Aside from its frank consideration of preteen sexuality, the most daring thing about [Michael] Cuesta's extraordinary film is its willingness to put honest, intelligent dialogue in the mouths of kids."*

James Berardinelli of Reelviews stated:

*"Director Michael Cuesta hits the right notes with his characters. They are believable 12-year olds: intelligent (but not too intelligent) yet naïve, and trying with mixed success to navigate the path of adolescence."*

The Hollywood Reporter noted that the film *"lacks the powerful focus of the filmmaker's debut effort and often flounders under the weight of its melodrama and contrivances"*, but added that it *"also boasts many well-observed moments and features stellar performances by its youthful cast."*

Empire Magazine said:

*"The kids help get the film past its messy, low-budget look, aided by a strong ensemble of familiar adult faces."*

Writing for the Austin Chronicle, Marrit Ingman said:

*"Twelve isn't always easy to watch. But it feels emotionally authentic, not exploitive, not farfetchedly quirky."*

Critic Richard Roeper stated:

*"These are strange, heartbreaking, emotionally wounded kids. I found myself rooting for them. But the adults are caricatures, [and] the film feels condescending in parts."*

Jessica Reaves from the Chicago Tribune said the kids in the film *"deliver uniformly solid, occasionally remarkable performances."*

Sara Michelle Fetters of MovieFreak.com:

*"While the film doesn't have the same emotional impact of his acclaimed debut, [Michael] Cuesta is a steady, self-assured filmmaker who knows how to command an audience's attention."*

## Awards

**Deauville Film Festival** (2006)

* Grand Special Prize: Michael Cuesta [*Nominated*]

**Film Independent Spirit Awards** (2007)

* John Cassavetes Award: Michael Cuesta (director/producer), Leslie Urdang (producer), Brian Bell (producer), Jenny Schweitzer (producer) and Anthony Cipriano (writer) [*Nominated*]

**Young Artist Awards** (2007)

* Best Performance in a Feature Film (Leading Young Actor): Conor Donovan [*Nominated*]
* Best Performance in a Feature Film (Supporting Young Actress): Zoe Weizenbaum [*Nominated*]

**Chlotrudis Awards** (2007)

* Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Weizenbaum [*Nominated*]