Giant Little Ones

Giant Little Ones is a compelling, thoughtful drama from 2018 directed by Keith Behrman that stars Josh Wiggins, Darren Mann, and Taylor Hickson. The film is a heartfelt coming-of-age tale that resonates around the exploration of love, friendship, and self-discovery set against the backdrop of high-school life.

The storyline of Giant Little Ones primarily revolves around the lives of two teenage boys and best friends, Franky Winter (Josh Wiggins) and Ballas Kohl (Darren Mann). Both young men are popular in their high school; they're stars of the swim team, and their connection seems indestructible. Lives brimming with typical teenage experiences like parties, romances, and dreams about the future provide a seemingly trouble-free existence. The funny, affectionate, and brave Franky virtually epitomizes the average Canadian teenager.

One night, ripped away from the standard setting of teenage shoestring escapades, something happens between Franky and Ballas that places a massive strain on their friendship and forces them to grapple not only with their personal identities but also with how others perceive them. The aftermath of this single event serves as the point of departure for the narrative that engulfs their lives.

The supporting cast also have their potent arcs: Taylor Hickson brings depth to her portrayal of Tash - Ballas’ estranged sister, whose rebellious spirit complements her complex persona. Franky's divorced parents Carly (Maria Bello) and Ray Winter enacted by Kyle MacLachlan contributed another layer to the story through their own struggles with identity, love, and acceptance. It is through these dynamic characters, that the film explores the multifaceted aspects of human sexuality, identity and the complexities of interpersonal relationships.

Director Keith Behrman maximizes the prospects of the narrative by capturing not only the emotional gravitas of the situation but also the stunning aura of suburban Canada. The naturalistic settings and the stunningly shot cinematography provide an aesthetic atmosphere for the characters as they attempt to navigate the tumultuous waters of this sensitive issue.

The film addresses topics like acceptance, loyalty, betrayal, and self-identification with the utmost respect. It is a testament to the unfathomable roughest conflicts that dwell in the sexual, emotional confusion of adolescence. It beautifully underlines that there are no clear blacks and whites in this often muddled journey of self-discovery.

Giant Little Ones presents multidimensional characters who are neither categorically good or bad, but a mixture of both. None is demonized for their actions or choices; instead, they resonate as real people dealing with real issues. Lead actors Josh Wiggins, with his profound performance as Franky, and Darren Mann as Ballas, with his reticent demeanor shielding countless insecurities, put forth riveting performances that capture the audience's attention.

Through their performances, the film successfully prompts viewers to empathetically consider the perspective of those grappling with their sexuality during a delicate and defining stage in their lives. With its delicate pacing, compelling storytelling, and sensitively drawn characters, Giant Little Ones does not aim for easy resolutions or clichés but embodies the often painful and confusing journey towards acceptance and self-discovery.

Giant Little Ones, ultimately, serves as a reminder of the power that lies in staying true to oneself and stretching the boundaries of understanding and acceptance. Behrman’s film is an exploration of the adolescent experience that resonates with heartfelt sincerity and a universal note of understanding that transcends barriers of age, culture, and sexual orientation.

Without revealing too much about the plot, Giant Little Ones is assuredly an exploration into the identity and acceptance, a quintessential coming of age tale with a poignant message of love, friendship, and self-discovery. A mature, challenging film that pushes the boundaries of the typical high school experience, Giant Little Ones is a paradigm-shifting film, encouraging open dialogues about identity. It's an emotional roller-coaster of a movie that leaves viewers introspecting about the complexities of growing up in a world often averse to change and acceptance.