Giants

Giants follows Sandy (Josh Barrow), an isolated teenager drifting through his post-industrial town, scavenging for scrap. He finds unexpected purpose after meeting an older conspiracy theorist, Don (Trevor Fox), who tasks him with destroying a local wind farm. Giants is a short film based on true events and shot in the North of England.

What is perhaps most impressive about Giants is the raw attention to detail in every frame from director Andy Berriman. Shot on location in the North of England, the film captures the area’s vast landscapes beautifully and almost makes the town feel like a character. The entire production has a homemade feel, with a clear love for the subject matter and location. Structurally, the film prioritises the relationship that grows between Sandy and Don over spectacle. While the narrative has a clear focus, the central task only really comes to fruition in the final third of the film. The film adopts a rather mellow approach in its opening and shifts to a more exhilarating focus in its final stretch.

The dynamic between the two central characters works incredibly well, as Don fixates on looming giants and takes Sandy under his wing to educate him. The inter-generational friendship that grows between them is easily the most compelling aspect of the script, and their chemistry is magnetic throughout. Thematically, the film tackles provocative themes such as grief and self-purpose, which are integral to both Don and Sandy’s character arcs. Don is grappling with the loss of his wife and blames the state of the post-industrial town for his struggles. Sandy, on the other hand, is trying to find purpose as a confused teenager and finds solace in his friendship with Don, which guides him through his coming-of-age. Both character arcs are executed profoundly with nuance.

Technically, the film is visually stunning, with incredible camerawork and a wonderful musical score that perfectly matches the tone. Jack Edwards, the film’s cinematographer, does a tremendous job capturing the intimacy and scope of the town. The film consists primarily of wider framing to capture the vastness of the landscape and shifts to over-the-shoulder shots and close-ups during the more intimate scenes between Sandy and Don. It's a commendable choice as it feels grand in scope while being an incredibly personal experience. Cecilia Morgan serves as the film's composer and delivers a sombre score that complements the narrative’s more dramatic moments.

Josh Barrow and Trevor Fox’s portrayals of Sandy and Don, respectively, are remarkable. Josh Barrow captures Sandy’s tenderness and youthful spirit as he searches for a sense of purpose. Trevor Fox strikes a wonderful balance between Don’s dramatic and comedic sides, and his chemistry with Josh Barrow is an absolute delight. The narrative reaches an incredibly thrilling conclusion, culminating in jaw-dropping tension in its final moments. It's a deeply engaging finale with an ultimately satisfying end that wraps up both characters' arcs sublimely.

Giants is a breathtaking short film that's deeply moving, funny and beautifully shot. Anchored by its tremendous production design and two compelling central performances, Giants is a perfectly paced film that leaves you wanting more.