I Kill Giants (2018) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie takes place in a small hometown in Leeds, England. The setting includes a peaceful suburban environment where Barbara lives, as well as an abandoned train yard that becomes significant to the story's climax. This English setting grounds the fantastical elements in a recognizable, everyday world.

• setting
• leeds
• england
• hometown
• location

The abandoned train yard serves as the backdrop for Barbara's final battle against the giants. It represents lost potential and the compelling narratives of life that Barbara imagines. This location becomes a symbolic space where her fantasy and reality ultimately converge.

• train yard
• battle
• climax
• fantasy
• location

The film is set in contemporary times, reflecting modern childhood experiences. The story explores themes of youth, friendship, and growing up in a world filled with both adversities and whimsical fantasies. This modern setting allows the narrative to feel relatable to current audiences.

• time period
• contemporary
• modern
• childhood

Imagination is central to the film as Barbara creates an elaborate world filled with giants to cope with her harsh realities. Her fantasy world allows her to manifest strength and purpose, using creativity as a tool to process difficult emotions. The movie ultimately reminds viewers of the power of imagination in confronting real-life challenges and loss.

• imagination
• fantasy
• coping
• giants
• escapism

Loss is a profound theme as Barbara grapples with her mother's illness and the emotional toll it takes on her. This struggle deeply influences her interactions with others, particularly her friendship with Sophia. The film emphasizes how acknowledging loss can lead to healing and deeper connections with those around her.

• loss
• mother
• grief
• illness
• emotional

Friendship is central to Barbara's character development, especially her relationship with Sophia, a newcomer who befriends her. Their bond deepens as they navigate the challenges of adolescence together, despite initial misunderstandings and peer pressures. The film highlights the importance of support and connection during difficult times.

• friendship
• sophia
• adolescence
• connection
• support

Barbara Thorson is a fierce and imaginative teenager who creates a fantasy world to escape her harsh realities. Her determination to battle giants symbolizes her struggle with personal loss and other challenges. As the story progresses, she learns to confront her fears while reevaluating her relationships with those around her.

• barbara thorson
• protagonist
• imaginary
• giant
• battle

Karen is Barbara's older sister, portrayed by Imogen Poots, and serves as a supportive figure amid Barbara's chaotic life. She represents the stability and guidance that Barbara often seeks but struggles to accept. Karen's protective nature highlights the theme of familial bonds during times of adversity.

• karen
• sister
• family
• support
• stability

Sophia is a newcomer portrayed by Sydney Wade who befriends Barbara, representing both friendship and the challenge of peer acceptance. As she navigates the complexities of Barbara's imaginative world, she embodies the struggle between loyalty and the desire for social acceptance. Her growth throughout the film parallels Barbara's own journey.

• sophia
• newcomer
• friendship
• peer acceptance
• growth

Mrs. Mollé is the school psychologist played by Zoe Saldana who recognizes Barbara's struggles and attempts to support her. She represents the importance of mental health awareness, particularly in young individuals facing profound challenges. Mrs. Mollé balances her professional role with empathy for Barbara's plight.

• mrs molle
• psychologist
• mental health
• support
• counselor

The narrative centers on Barbara's internal perspective, creating a blurred line between her elaborate fantasy world and the real world around her. This narrative style explores how children process grief and trauma through imagination. The film leaves viewers questioning which moments are real and which are products of Barbara's coping mechanism.

• fantasy
• reality
• blurred lines
• coping
• grief

The film carries a bittersweet tone, weaving together the whimsical hope of Barbara's fantasy with the crushing weight of impending loss. It balances quiet character reflection with emotional confrontation. The emotional weight is anchored by a child processing grief, amplified by themes of bullying and social isolation.

• bittersweet
• emotional tone
• grief
• fantasy
• weight