The Selfish Giant

The Selfish Giant is a compelling British drama, directed by Clio Barnard, that beautifully weaves a moving narrative with social commentary. Released in 2013, the film is not a straightforward adaptation of the Oscar Wilde story it carries the name of, but quite a different tale loaded with depth and realism, set in a backdrop that reflects on contemporary socio-economic conditions. It is an illustration of coming-of-age, friendship, poverty, and desperation wrapped up in a story that hits hard and leaves a mark long after the credits roll.

The movie takes place in the economically challenged estates of Bradford, England, and primarily revolves around the poignant tale of two boys: 13-year-old Arbor (Conner Chapman) and his best friend Swifty (Shaun Thomas). Arbor is rather ornery and impulsive, often getting into trouble at school, while Swifty is more mild-mannered and kind-hearted, but they both share a deep sense of friendship and loyalty.

The narrative unfolds without romanticising their poverty-stricken lives and presents a bleak tale of their existence within the harsh brutalities of the industrial and urban landscapes of northern England. The boys, each already dealing with their personal issues at home, are excluded from school, which leaves them idle and in need of resources. They find a way to make money through the gathering and selling of scrap metal, pushing them further down a dangerous path and making them exposed to the hard and grim realities of adult lives prematurely.

The boys’ relationship with Kitten (Sean Gilder), an exploitative ruffian scrap dealer, constitutes a major part of the plot. While Kitten is the selfish giant from the original Wilde fable who doesn't wish to share his garden's treasures, the metaphor can also translate to the selfish societal system that preys on the young and vulnerable. Notably, the boys’ journey gets complicated as their interests start to diverge. Arbor, driven by an intense desire to make money and secure a comfortable life, finds himself embracing dark paths, while Swifty discovers he has a natural affinity for handling the horses that Kitten uses to pull the loaded scrap carts. This sparks a new passion in Swifty and strains his relationship with Arbor.

While the film carries a stark storyline, it beautifully captures the essence of childhood innocence, camaraderie, and growing pains in the face of adversity. It makes a notable commentary on the deplorable condition of poverty, the struggles of the working class, and the hard-knock life that they live daily. Despite the desolation, the film doesn't completely abandon the beauty of life and constantly reminds viewers of the bond that ties Arbor and Swifty together.

Barnard’s cinematography plays a powerful role in creating a cogent visual representation of the stark societal truths portrayed in this film. The powerful performances of Conner Chapman and Shaun Thomas elucidate the deep-set realities of poverty-stricken lives, where ambition, desperation, and necessity drive children into the crushing jaws of adult realities.

The Selfish Giant represents an intrusive look into the reality of life on the fringes of society, where dreams wither amid the struggles of survival. It’s a film that brings forth a grim narrative about childhood and growth adorned with heartfelt performances, ultimately reminding us of the extent to which society can become a selfish giant.

Although it is set in a bleak environment filled with hardship and despair, the movie provides its audience with a stark dose of empathy for its protagonists. Its raw and sensitive storytelling, alongside the extraordinary performances from the child actors, makes The Selfish Giant a poignant statement on societal injustices and a strong testament to the resilient spirit of friendship.