Colossal (2016)

Overview

Colossal is a genre-bending film that combines giant monster mayhem with intimate character drama and psychological allegory. What starts as a quirky comedy about a woman returning to her hometown slowly transforms into a dark, thoughtful exploration of toxic relationships, self-destruction, and personal empowerment—all wrapped in a very original science-fiction premise.

Plot Summary

Gloria (Anne Hathaway) is an unemployed writer whose life is falling apart due to alcoholism and self-sabotage. After her boyfriend (Dan Stevens) breaks up with her, she returns to her hometown to regroup. There, she reconnects with Oscar (Jason Sudeikis), an old friend who offers her a job at his bar.

But strange things begin to happen: a giant monster suddenly appears in Seoul, South Korea, causing chaos. Gloria soon discovers an astonishing connection—the monster mimics her exact movements, appearing when she walks through a specific playground at a certain time. As she comes to terms with her power, she also realizes that Oscar is hiding a dangerous secret—and he may have his own destructive force to unleash.

Performances

• Anne Hathaway gives a layered and vulnerable performance, balancing humor, trauma, and eventual empowerment.

• Jason Sudeikis is a revelation in a surprisingly dark role, moving from likable to sinister with chilling subtlety.

• The supporting cast, including Dan Stevens and Tim Blake Nelson, enhances the film’s emotional depth without stealing focus.

Tone & Style

• The film starts lighthearted and quirky but gradually reveals a dark psychological undercurrent.

• Blends indie drama with kaiju movie tropes in a uniquely original way.

• Uses visual metaphors (monsters, destruction) to explore very human issues—especially addiction, control, and abusive relationships.

• Nacho Vigalondo’s direction embraces absurdity while grounding it in raw emotion.

Themes

• Addiction & Self-Destruction: Gloria’s struggle with drinking mirrors the chaos the monster causes.

• Toxic Masculinity & Control: Oscar becomes an allegory for emotional manipulation and entitlement.

• Personal Responsibility: Gloria learns that her actions—both literal and emotional—have real consequences.

• Empowerment: The film ultimately becomes about reclaiming agency and breaking cycles of abuse.

Reception

• Critics: Generally positive reviews for originality, genre-blending, and performances—especially Hathaway and Sudeikis.

• Some viewers were divided due to its tonal shifts and unconventional plot structure.

• Regarded as a cult favorite for fans of offbeat, cerebral sci-fi.

Recommended For

• Fans of genre mashups and indie sci-fi

• Viewers who enjoy dark character studies with metaphorical storytelling

• Those who liked films such as Being John Malkovich, Donnie Darko, or Her

Might Disappoint

• Audiences expecting a traditional monster movie with big-scale destruction

• Viewers uncomfortable with tonal shifts from comedy to serious psychological drama

• Those seeking fast-paced action or clean-cut resolutions

Final Verdict

Colossal is a bizarre, bold, and emotionally resonant film that defies categorization. It’s part monster movie, part relationship drama, and part metaphorical journey toward self-worth. Anchored by a fearless performance from Anne Hathaway and a chilling turn by Jason Sudeikis, it offers a deeply original take on how inner demons can become giant monsters—literally.