I Kill Giants (2017)

I Kill Giants is special because it treats fantasy not as an escape, but as a language for feelings that are too big to say out loud, blending moody magical realism with a coming-of-age drama that sneaks up on your heart. Madison Wolfe delivers a fierce, wounded, often funny performance that makes Barbara’s prickly edges feel earned, while the film’s impressive creature work and CGI give her inner world a tangible, storybook weight. The vibe is tender and eerie in equal measure—delightful in its imagination, poignant in what it’s really circling, and quietly unique in how it trusts you to connect the dots. It’s not for everyone if you want straightforward, plot-driven fantasy, but if you’re open to a heartfelt, bittersweet fable, it’s the kind of movie that lingers.

I Kill Giants is clearly aiming for a tender coming-of-age story where fantasy becomes a shield for grief, and when it clicks, it can be quietly moving and visually imaginative. The problem is it often feels mistimed and oddly mundane between its bigger ideas, with pacing that drifts just when you want the story to tighten its grip. The balance between the real-world drama and the fantasy elements can feel uneven, so the “giant” promise may not land with the impact you’re expecting. If you’re looking for a punchy fantasy adventure or a surprising payoff, this may feel predictable and a bit abrupt, but if you’re patient with a moody, metaphor-heavy drama, there’s heart here.