The Selfish Giant 2013
Set against the stark, industrial backdrops of Northern England, *The Selfish Giant (2013)* follows the intertwined lives of two young boys navigating hardship and friendship in a landscape of scrapyards and abandoned buildings.
Director: Clio Barnard
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Selfish Giant (2013) about?
This gritty drama follows Arbor and Swifty, two impoverished boys who risk everything scavenging scrap metal to sell to a shady dealer. Their bond is tested as greed and desperation collide, revealing the harsh realities of childhood survival in a neglected community.
Who directed The Selfish Giant?
Clio Barnard, the acclaimed British filmmaker known for her socially conscious and visually striking works like *The Arbor*.
Who stars in The Selfish Giant?
The lead roles are played by Conner Chapman as Arbor and Shaun Thomas as Swifty, supported by Sean Gilder, Lorraine Ashbourne, and Steve Evets.
Is The Selfish Giant (2013) worth watching?
With its unflinching portrayal of poverty and its emotional depth, *The Selfish Giant* is a powerful watch for fans of raw, character-driven dramas. Though unrated on IMDb, Barnard's direction and the heartbreaking performances make it a compelling, if heavy, experience.
How long is The Selfish Giant?
The movie runs for 91 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About The Selfish Giant (2013) — A raw drama of friendship and hardship in Northern England
Set against the stark, industrial backdrops of Northern England, *The Selfish Giant (2013)* follows the intertwined lives of two young boys navigating hardship and friendship in a landscape of scrapyards and abandoned buildings. Director Clio Barnard crafts a raw, poetic drama that explores themes of poverty, resilience, and the crushing weight of societal neglect through the eyes of 12-year-old Arbor (Conner Chapman), a spirited troublemaker, and his kind-hearted but slow-witted best friend, Swifty (Shaun Thomas). As the boys dive headfirst into the dangerous world of metal scavenging, their bond is tested by greed, betrayal, and the looming shadow of a ruthless scrap dealer (Sean Gilder). Barnard's intimate storytelling blends gritty realism with moments of unexpected tenderness, painting a haunting portrait of childhood under pressure.
The film's unflinching gaze at economic disparity and its emotional core—rooted in the boys' unwavering loyalty—elevates it beyond a simple tale of survival. Shot with a documentary-like intensity, *The Selfish Giant* lingers long after the credits roll, challenging viewers to confront the systems that leave vulnerable youth behind while celebrating the unbreakable spirit that refuses to surrender. A modern fable for the disenfranchised, it's a story that lingers like the echoes of a train whistle in the distance.