Based on the award-winning graphic novel of the same name, I Kill Giants is a coming of age tale about young girl’s journey towards acceptance. Plucky, precocious and proactively paranoid, Barbara (Madison Wolfe) is a social misfit who spends the majority of her spare time hunting and taking down monsters. Whether or not these actually exist, is an entirely different matter, however, it’s clear to see that there’s more going on with our protagonist than meets the eye.
Directing his first feature film, Anders Walter has been able to create a well-rounded fantasy drama that never shies away from dealing with more mature themes. Having had experience in the genre before with his Academy Award-winning short Helium, Walter seems at ease whilst helming such an ambitious project. From a visual standpoint, I Kill Giants is a sight to behold thanks to Rasmus Heise’s beautifully crisp cinematography whilst the set design is appropriately quirky without ever going into overly stylised territory.
With the screenplay written by Joe Kelly, writer of the graphic novel, there’s an air of authenticity to the story which rings true throughout. What could have very easily turned into a sentimental, by the book Hollywood blockbuster instead becomes something much more personal. Playing coy with the material at hand, I Kill Giants is never afraid to rein it in and focus on the fractured relationships within Barbara’s life.
With no sign of any parents, it’s down to her big sister Karen who has to fulfill the role of provider and carer. Fantastically played by Imogen Poots, it’s clear to see that responsibilities are rapidly piling up and with Barbara’s combative attitude adding more fuel to the fire, it’s evident that control is something that’s totally out of grasp. With a distant brother and school bullies hot on her tail, we begin to understand a little bit more about Barbara and her reluctance to let people in.
It isn’t until new girl Sophia arrives that she begins to open up about her bestowed upon the profession. Told through a series of animated shots, we’re introduced to a variety of monsters and given a comprehensive view into their background. With Sophia captivated by her giant mythology, a new friendship quickly starts to blossom.
Meanwhile, new school psychologist Mrs Mollé begins to try and get to the root of Barbara’s disruptive behaviour. Lashing out both physically and verbally to any intimate discussions, it quickly becomes apparent at just how fragile Barbara really is. Played by Zoe Saldana, the Mrs Mollé character is more of a conduit for the viewer as we try and delve deeper into what may be the crux of Barbara’s problems.
Overall, I Kill Giants is a refreshing change from the plethora of superhero movies that saturate the young market. With a powerhouse performance by Madison Wolfe, a strong female cast and some mature themes throughout, there’s plenty here for people of all ages. Although some may draw comparisons to A Monster Calls, I Kill Giants is its own beast that will no doubt leave most viewers with a lump in their throat. So if you’re looking for something slightly different that will appeal to all members of the family then take a giant leap to the cinema and check this one out.
I KILL GIANTS / CERT: 12A / DIRECTOR: ANDERS WALTER / SCREENPLAY: JOE KELLY / STARRING: MADISON WOLFE, IMOGEN POOTS, ZOE SALDANA, JENNIFER EHLE, NOEL CLARKE / RELEASE DATE: APRIL 6TH
Expected 7 out of 10
