Keith Berman’s second feature is a frank, sensitive portrayal of youth and its great paradox: it can be both fascinating and frightening. And how could it be any other way, since it’s a time of making important decisions, shaping one’s identity and feeling everything most intensely. This goes for the protagonist of Giant Little Ones, too. Franky is a 17-year-old member of the school swimming team, confounded by his father’s decision to leave his family behind to move in with another man. Things get even more complicated after a birthday party during which Franky and his best friend get carried away creating rumours about their sexuality, to Franky’s girlfriend’s dismay. The boy goes from popular and well-liked to school outcast in a heartbeat. Youth is mixed with routine in the film, just as the energy of adolescent actors is intertwined with the older ones’ experience (Maria Bello and Kyle MacLachlan play the parents). Behrman maintains the balance skillfully, creating an intriguing story of awakening sexuality.