Giant Little Ones, out in limited release Friday, explores topical issues of identity, bullying, and toxic masculinity in the wake of a sexual encounter between high-schooler Franky (Josh Wiggins) and his best friend, Ballas (Darren Mann). The second feature from director Keith Behrman (2002's Flower and Garnet) allows for a mini Rashomon style of storytelling to unfold as the sexual incident in question, which occurs following Franky's 17th birthday bash and after a lot of alcohol, is told from varying perspectives. And exactly what happened depends on who's telling the story.
A tale of young discovery that plays out on bikes, in fields, in the halls of a high school, and in the swimming pool locker room -- Franky and Ballas are both on the swim team -- Behrman's film is at turns deeply emotional with spurts of violence, and very funny, courtesy of Franky's queer female friend Mouse (Niamh Wilson), who's been exploring the boundaries of her identity by packing a tube sock in her pants.
Beyond the film's coming-of-age components, it's about family -- particularly about how Franky copes with accepting his dad (Kyle McLachlan), who left his mother, Carly (Maria Bello), for a man.
In the exclusive clip below, Mouse offers advice to Franky, who experiences bullying after it's gotten out that he allegedly came on to Ballas.
Watch the clip below.
