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The Selfish Giant (2013)

2013 • 1h 31m • Drama • R
On September 27, 2026
#28312▲ 34531
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CinemaSerf on The Selfish Giant

7/10 · Jun 12, 2025

Conner Chapman portrays “Arbor,” a troubled youth who takes medication his older brother often misuses and dislikes attending school. His closest companion is “Swifty” (Shaun Thomas), a kind, large boy with whom he shares an unbreakable bond. Following a fight at school that results in Arbor’s permanent expulsion and Swifty's two-week suspension, the pair begin collecting scrap metal for money. This risky occupation involves dealing with live electrical wires, but they find a buyer in the shady “Kitten” (Sam Gelder), who offers them payment. Their goal is to earn enough money to help their mothers avoid debt collectors, but this seemingly simple desire leads them to take bigger chances and become increasingly involved in a harsh and indifferent operation. Swifty also has a fondness for horses; when Kitten needs someone to drive his racehorse “Diesel,” the boy demonstrates an unexpected talent. However, as Arbor grows envious of his friend’s new popularity and becomes more impulsive, their friendship begins to deteriorate. Director Clio Bernard has crafted a raw and insightful film, with both young actors performing exceptionally well, particularly Chapman, as their experiences depict themes of need, ambition, and even avarice. The film also offers a striking visual depiction of a dangerous and often violent underground world that exists openly but unfolds in a manner reminiscent of Dickens’s works.

Source on TMDB