I Kill Giants

I Kill Giants is a thought-provoking and engaging fantasy drama that was released in 2017, directed by Anders Walter. The movie features a power-packed performance by Madison Wolfe, alongside Zoe Saldana and Imogen Poots. This cinematic progression paints a stirring portrait of a young girl’s struggle to conquer her fears and fight her battles, both real and imagined.

The story centres on a teen named Barbara Thorson (played by Madison Wolfe), an intelligent yet misfit girl in school, who retreats into a vivid and imaginative world of fantasy as a coping mechanism for her difficult home life and struggles at school. In Barbara's world, giants are real, and only she has the ability to defeat them. Her belief is firm and unwavering that giants lurk in the obscure corners of her sleepy seaside town, waiting to cause destruction and chaos.

The narrative intricately weaves Barbara’s fantasy world where she assumes the role of a heroic giant killer, protecting her town by setting traps and studying ancient lore about these mysterious creatures. Clutching a magical warhammer named 'Coveleski', she treads fearlessly around the local forests, railways, and shorelines, always watchful, prepared to confront the gigantic invaders and defeat them single-handedly.

Madison Wolfe delivers a fiercely impassioned performance, infusing Barbara with spirit and stubborn tenacity. Barbara is not your typical schoolgirl; she is a warrior, a protector, and what’s beautifully portrayed is her ceaseless bravery in the face of dark, looming threats, whether they are imaginary or not.

Barbara's life, however, is not all about giants. The narrative also reflects her complicated relationship with her older sister, Karen (played by Imogen Poots), who is left to manage the household in the absence of their parents. Their starkly contrasting personalities cause an uneasy tension and lead to disagreements, providing an interesting dynamic to the film. Yet, there’s an underlying bond of sisterly love and shared responsibilities that holds them together through life’s trials.

Meanwhile at school, a new girl in town, Sophia (played by Sydney Wade), becomes friends with Barbara. Sophia, being the new girl and an outsider, is curious about Barbara’s peculiarities and gets engrossed in the world of giants Barbara envisages.

There is also the inclusion of a school psychologist, Mrs. Molle (portrayed by Zoe Saldana), who becomes concerned about Barbara's behaviour and her talk about giants. Saldana’s character tries to navigate the labyrinth of Barbara's mind, making earnest attempts to help her through her struggles. This relationship between Barbara and Mrs. Molle forms a significant part of the narrative, revealing the delicate balance between the real and fantasy world and pushing Barbara towards the periphery of her fears.

I Kill Giants is based on the graphic novel of the same name by writer Joe Kelly and the illustrator J.M. Ken Niimura. Kelly also wrote the screenplay, ensuring the film stayed true to its original narrative and essence. Anders Walter, the director, showcases an exceptional blend of fantasy and reality. His storytelling approach fluctuates between Barbara’s fantasy world and her mundane life, creating a poignant, emotionally stirring atmosphere.

Cinematography plays a crucial role in the success of this film, capturing the gloomy, overcast suburban setting and the ominous landscapes, adding a layer of visual depth that cues the viewer into Barbara's state of mind. The CGI techniques used in the film are noteworthy. The 'giants', which are central to the plot, are brought to life with impressive special effects, enhancing the fantastical elements of the story.

It's important to also appreciate the profound metaphoric use of the giants in the narrative. Ostensibly, the film presents a captivating tale of a girl’s fierce battle against monstrous giants. But look a little deeper and you’ll uncover a moving portrayal of a girl battling her internal demons, her fears, her anxieties. This dramatic metaphor unfolds with subtlety, adding layers of meaning to each twist and turn in the plot.

In conclusion, I Kill Giants is a significant contribution to the genre of magical realism. It delves into the complex realm of human emotions, confronting fears and the courage it takes to face them. A compelling story layered with heartfelt emotions and cinematic beauty, it is a captivating journey that oscillates seamlessly between the reality of a troubled young girl and her imaginative world of giants.