Synopsis
A hyperactive boy and his best friend, a slow-witted youth with an affinity for horses, start collecting scrap metal for a shady dealer.
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Cast
- Conner ChapmanArbor
- Shaun ThomasSwifty
- Sean GilderKitten
- Lorraine AshbourneMary
- Ian BurfieldMick Brazil
- Steve EvetsPrice Drop Swift
- Siobhan FinneranMrs. Swift
- Ralph InesonJohnny Jones
- Rebecca ManleyMichelle 'Shelly' Fenton
- Rhys McCoyDaniel
Recommendations
- 100
The Telegraph
So hauntingly perfect is Barnard’s film, and so skin-pricklingly alive does it make you feel to watch it, that at first you can hardly believe the sum of what you have seen. - 100
Variety
The film’s turn toward the tragic is hardly untelegraphed, but its emotional blows still land with crushing precision. - 100
Total Film
Carried aloft by the remarkable performances of her two young leads, Clio Barnard’s poignant, unflinching slice of hard-knock-life grips tight and lingers long. Britain’s definitely got talent. - 83
The Playlist
The Selfish Giant preaches compassion by showing us in its very closing moments, the fathomless goodness that can lie beneath even the spittingest, snarlingest exterior. - 80
The Guardian
This is a fine film, which cements Barnard's growing reputation as one of Britain's best film-makers. - 80
The Hollywood Reporter
[A] solidly effective addition to Britain's social realism tradition, elevated by excellent performances by the young leads and some unexpectedly poetic touches. - 80
Empire
A terrific human drama about two boys about to be consigned to the scrapheap, with standout performances from its young leads. - 80
Time Out London
It’s not a pretty story, but its warmth lies in its fondness – love, even – for the two boys at its heart.
