Titans

NASCAR meets National Velvet in this exciting tale of a 17-year-old girl who risks everything to save her family from financial disaster. Like everyone else in her Detroit neighborhood, Astrid Sullivan is fascinated by the Titans, powerful mechanical horses who race on hazard-filled courses; when her father’s gambling addiction and recent job loss make it impossible for the family to keep their home, Astrid is determined to make things right. After Astrid unexpectedly gains a mentor, an obsolete first-generation Titan, and a chance to ride in this year’s Titan Derby, she throws herself into training and preparation, her eye on the $2 million prize. Right from the start, Scott (Fire & Flood) commands attention with the simple yet compelling premise, which tackles topics of privilege and class as it entertains. Astrid is a resourceful heroine, her relationship with her feisty best friend Magnolia is vividly depicted, and her mechanical Titan, Padlock, steals the show. Cinematic, but with real heart at its core, it’s a thrilling SF update to the classic “girl and her horse” tale. Ages 13–up. Agent: Sara Crowe, Harvey Klinger. (Feb.)