I Kill Giants (2018)

I Kill Giants (2018)

6/10

Starring

Madison Wolfe

Imogen Poots

Sydney Wade

Zoe Saldana

Directed by Anders Walter

I Kill Giants is a fun movie that delivers a moving fantasy with enough depth to keep you intrigued and entertained throughout its runtime.

The movie is like an onion—there are many layers to uncover as you peel back each one. It’s an adaptation of Joe Kelly and Ken Niimura’s graphic novel I Kill Giants and tells the tale of a young girl dealing with both internal and external demons. By her side are her sister, therapist, and only friend, as they try to keep her from going off the deep end in her struggles.

This magical journey comes with good graphics, and the directing is something to admire. The director did a great job merging reality with fantasy, creating a seamless blend that enhances the story.

Our hero and giant killer is Barbara. She’s convinced that she’s the one chosen to save the world from the giants coming to destroy everyone. She sets traps for them and hunts them with her specially crafted weapon designed to kill giants. In her little bag is her hammer-like weapon named Coveleski.

Barbara knows everything there is to know about giants—the different kinds, what they eat, and how they hunt. She carries a book filled with her extensive research on these creatures and is hellbent on stopping them to save the world.

Her problem is further compounded by her behavior. She distances herself from others and isn’t afraid to stand up to bullies. Her many antics to avoid being around people showcase her deep imagination, and her internal struggles often cause her to break down on screen.

One day, she meets Sophia, a young girl who moved to America from Leeds, England. Their relationship faces many bumps, largely caused by Barbara’s instability. Sophia is a good person, and no matter how bad things get between them, she always has Barbara’s back when it matters most.

Then there’s the therapist, Mrs. Molle. She’s also trying hard to be there for Barbara, but Barbara’s outbursts and constant instability make it difficult. Finally, there’s Karen, Barbara’s sister, who bears the brunt of the burden. She’s working hard to care for the family, doing her best to be there for Barbara, her brother, and everything else.

The movie is a cool rollercoaster, deeply revealing the struggles people face in getting by. 

The pacing drags in places, testing your patience. The mix of fantasy and reality is interesting—I’ll give the director credit for that, but it gets muddled at times, leaving you wondering what’s actually going on. And then there’s Barbara, she’s a tough character to like, which makes it harder to connect with her emotionally.

I advise you to take the time to see this movie—you’ll be glad you did.