Watch The Selfish Giant

Set in the northern English city of Bradford, The Selfish Giant is a gritty and emotional drama that explores the lives of two young boys, Arbor (Conner Chapman) and Swifty (Shaun Thomas), as they struggle to survive in a harsh and unforgiving world. The film opens with Arbor, a young boy with a fierce temper and a troubled home life, getting into a fight at school. After being expelled, Arbor begins to spend more time with his friend Swifty, a quiet and sensitive boy who lives with his large family in a nearby caravan park.

Together, the two boys begin to steal copper wire from around the city, which they sell to a local scrap dealer named Kitten (Sean Gilder). As their criminal activities escalate, the boys begin to attract the attention of Kitten's dangerous underworld connections, putting them in grave danger.

At its core, The Selfish Giant is a deeply affecting story about friendship and survival. As Arbor and Swifty become more and more embroiled in their criminal enterprise, they begin to rely on one another for support and comfort. Despite their many differences, the two boys share a deep bond that is tested repeatedly throughout the film.

The relationship between Arbor and Swifty is one of the film's most compelling aspects. Chapman and Thomas deliver captivating performances, bringing heart and authenticity to their roles. Chapman, in particular, is a standout, delivering a nuanced portrayal of a troubled and volatile young man.

Sean Gilder also delivers an excellent performance as Kitten, a complex and unpredictable character with his own demons to wrestle with. Gilder imbues Kitten with a level of depth and humanity that makes him both compelling and terrifying.

The film's setting is also worth noting. Bradford is often depicted as a harsh and unforgiving place, full of poverty and desperation. Director Clio Barnard does an excellent job of capturing the stark reality of life in this part of England, offering a glimpse into the struggles and hardships faced by those who live there.

Overall, The Selfish Giant is a powerful and emotional film, with a poignant message about the importance of human connection and empathy. While it deals with difficult themes and situations, the film ultimately finds hope and redemption in the enduring strength of the human spirit.

The Selfish Giant is a 2013 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 83.