83
Metascore
22 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 100The TelegraphRobbie CollinThe TelegraphRobbie CollinSo hauntingly perfect is Barnard’s film, and so skin-pricklingly alive does it make you feel to watch it, that at first you can hardly believe the sum of what you have seen.
- 100Total FilmPaul BradshawTotal FilmPaul BradshawCarried aloft by the remarkable performances of her two young leads, Clio Barnard’s poignant, unflinching slice of hard-knock-life grips tight and lingers long. Britain’s definitely got talent.
- 83The PlaylistJessica KiangThe PlaylistJessica KiangThe Selfish Giant preaches compassion by showing us in its very closing moments, the fathomless goodness that can lie beneath even the spittingest, snarlingest exterior.
- 80The GuardianPeter BradshawThe GuardianPeter BradshawThis is a fine film, which cements Barnard's growing reputation as one of Britain's best film-makers.
- 80The Hollywood ReporterNeil YoungThe Hollywood ReporterNeil Young[A] solidly effective addition to Britain's social realism tradition, elevated by excellent performances by the young leads and some unexpectedly poetic touches.
- 80EmpireDamon WiseEmpireDamon WiseA terrific human drama about two boys about to be consigned to the scrapheap, with standout performances from its young leads.
- 80Time Out LondonDave CalhounTime Out LondonDave CalhounIt’s not a pretty story, but its warmth lies in its fondness – love, even – for the two boys at its heart.
- 75Slant MagazineSlant MagazineThe ear for language is paired with an eye for the landscape, and the film finds beauty even in such a seemingly dreary, economically depressed community.