Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Edgy teen drama with sex, drinking, drugs.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
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Giant Little Ones
What's the Story?
In GIANT LITTLE ONES, lifelong friends Franky (Josh Wiggins) and Ballas (Darren Mann) are popular members of their high school swim team. One night after drinking, they share an unexpected moment of sexual attraction. When Franky gets to school the next day, he discovers that Ballas has already spread rumors about Franky being gay. Unable to disprove the rumors—and enduring a lot of hateful behavior as a result of them—Franky quits the swim team and tries to slog through. His father, Ray (Kyle MacLachlan), who got divorced after coming out and now lives with his boyfriend, tries to talk to Franky about it, but Franky angrily resists. Ballas' sister, Natasha (Taylor Hickson), who suffered social ostracism after a horrifying event at a party, approaches Franky, and they reconnect and start spending time together. This enrages Ballas, who launches a drunken, violent attack on his old pal. But Franky only recovers, stronger and better able to understand his relationships with both Natasha and his dad.
Is It Any Good?
Wise and clear-eyed, this excellent teen drama is far better constructed and more nuanced than the usual coming-out story. Giant Little Ones skips simplistic labels in favor of a focus on the actual state of being human. Written and directed by Keith Behrman, the film builds a solid base with its characters, each of whom has complex, conflicting emotions, including the so-called "bad guys." Many other teen movies paint adults as ridiculous in order to direct more sympathy to the younger characters, but there's much to be learned from MacLachlan's superb performance as Ray and Maria Bello as Franky's loving but somewhat clueless mom.
Even Mann's Ballas is understandable, lashing out with rage and fear to feelings he doesn't understand—or think he wants. Hickson is also powerfully sympathetic, lucidly explaining her personal tragedy, analyzing it, and comfortably deciding what it is that she needs going forward. Especially lovable is Franky's friend, Mouse (Niamh Wilson), who potentially identifies as transgender and gives Franky truthful advice about "owning it." But Wiggins carries most scenes with his gentle performance as Franky, holding feelings inside but at the same time allowing them to be known. Giant Little Ones may not be a full-fledged story about what it means to be gay, but its focus on understanding is just as important. It's definitely thoughtful and discussion-worthy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Giant Little Ones depicts teen sex and sexuality. Does it seem exploitative or empathetic? What topics are covered? What values are imparted?
How does the movie portray teen drinking and drug use? Are they glamorized? Are there consequences? Why does that matter?
What does the movie have to say about bullying? Is it always a physical act, or can bullying happen in other ways? How does Franky show courage against the violence?
How are the adult characters portrayed? Do they have everything all figured out, or are they still learning? In which ways do characters demonstrate curiosity?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 8, 2019
- On DVD or streaming : June 18, 2019
- Cast : Maria Bello , Kyle MacLachlan , Josh Wiggins , Taylor Hickson
- Director : Keith Behrman
- Studio : Vertical Entertainment
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : School ( High School ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Curiosity
- Run time : 93 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sexual content, language and some drug/alcohol use - all involving teens
- Last updated : July 1, 2026
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