I Kill Giants (2017)

I Kill Giants Poster

Sophia, a new high school student, tries to make friends with Barbara, who tells her that “she kills giants,” protecting this way her hometown and its inhabitants, who do not understand her strange behavior.

Overview
"I Kill Giants", directed by Anders Walter and released in 2017, is a dream drama adjusted from the graphic book of the exact same name by Joe Kelly and J.M. Ken Niimura. The movie centers on Barbara Thorson, a socially uncomfortable and imaginative girl who leaves from the realities of her struggling life by pulling away into a magical world where she believes she is the sole protector of her hometown from giants. The story weaves together themes of escapism, coming-of-age challenges, and the reality of dealing with trauma and loss.

Characters and Setting
The film's protagonist, Barbara, portrayed by Madison Wolfe, is a complicated character-- a misfit in her school and misunderstood by those around her. She lives with her older sibling, Karen, played by Imogen Poots, who has a hard time to keep the family together after the lack of their moms and dads. The supporting characters consist of the school psychologist Mrs. Mollé (Zoe Saldana) and a brand-new friend named Sophia (Sydney Wade), who try to permeate Barbara's shielded and secret world.

Set in a little seaside town, "I Kill Giants" profits from its moody and atmospheric environment to reflect the movie's mix of truth and fantasy, as we see the world through Barbara's brilliant imagination, where dark forests and seaside cliffs end up being battlegrounds for her mythical quests.

Plot Summary
Barbara is often seen setting elaborate traps and collecting what she thinks about to be 'huge bait' throughout the town. She is an outcast at school, frequently bullied by her peers for her eccentric habits, but she ignores them, consumed by her objective to eliminate giants and safeguard her world.

When Sophia, a British lady, gets to school, she takes an interest in Barbara's world, seeking friendship. Barbara reluctantly allows Sophia into her life, exposing a few of the secrets of her giant-hunting experiences. Simultaneously, Mrs. Mollé, tries to understand Barbara's mind, believing that her giant-killing obsession is a mental defense mechanism.

As Barbara grows closer to Sophia and steadily opens to Mrs. Mollé, we discover more about the giants she is combating. They are not simply mythical animals however also metaphors for the giant-sized troubles in her life-- most significantly, her failure to come to terms with her mother's terminal disease.

Climactic Encounter
The movie develops to a climactic confrontation with a titan, a colossal giant, representing Barbara's supreme difficulty. She faces the behemoth in a remarkable showdown amidst a storm, which signifies her conflict with her inner satanic forces and the discomfort she feels about her mom's condition. It is during this battle that Barbara's dreams and reality clash-- forcing her to realize the significance of facing her fears in the real world and the futility of trying to escape them.

Styles and Reception
"I Kill Giants" delves into themes such as the power of creativity, the struggle with grief, and the value of connection and support during tough times. The film got appreciation for its emotionally charged narrative and Wolfe's strong performance. It checks out the complexities of youth trauma with a sensitive portrayal of how kids procedure psychological pain through the lens of dream.

While it did not accomplish prevalent box office success, the film was admired for its special approach to storytelling and its smooth integration of fantastical aspects with a deeply individual human story. "I Kill Giants" stands as a poignant reflection on bravery, vulnerability, and the strength it takes for one to confront the giants-- both genuine and envisioned-- in their life.

Top Cast

  • Madison Wolfe (small)
    Madison Wolfe
    Barbara Thorson
  • Imogen Poots (small)
    Imogen Poots
    Karen Thorson
  • Sydney Wade (small)
    Sydney Wade
    Sophia
  • Rory Jackson (small)
    Rory Jackson
    Taylor
  • Zoe Saldaña (small)
    Zoe Saldaña
    Mrs. Mollé
  • Art Parkinson (small)
    Art Parkinson
    Dave
  • Noel Clarke (small)
    Noel Clarke
    Mr. Mollé
  • Jennifer Ehle (small)
    Jennifer Ehle
    Mrs. Thorson
  • Ciara O'Callaghan (small)
    Ciara O'Callaghan
    Theresa Tuzzo
  • John Boyle
    Giant (voice)
  • Brandon Maher (small)
    Brandon Maher
    Jock