Colossal
An unemployed woman discovers that her destructive impulses are mysteriously synchronized with a giant monster attacking Seoul.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- witty
- absurdist
- tense
- offbeat movie night
- indie science fiction night
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film inventive and genre-defying, with Anne Hathaway's performance and its strange premise earning praise despite uneven tone and plotting.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Gloria's behavior in a small American town manifests through a giant creature's destructive actions in Seoul, turning monster spectacle into an externalized psychological conflict.
The relationships among Gloria, Oscar, Tim, and their friends expose entitlement, control, intimidation, and the consequences of abusive conduct.
Gloria moves from unemployment, alcoholism, and displacement toward recognizing her power and making deliberate choices about its use.
The film contrasts Seoul's giant creature attacks with Gloria's ordinary hometown life, making global destruction feel strangely connected to domestic spaces and gestures.
Films like Colossal, and why
The One I Love
Shares an inventive science fiction premise, dark humor, emotional dysfunction, and an unconventional genre blend.
Safety Not Guaranteed
Combines intimate relationship drama with surreal speculative elements and an unsettling exploration of personal identity.
Godzilla
Uses giant-monster imagery as a vehicle for psychological conflict, toxic relationships, and darkly comic social commentary.
Ruby Sparks
Pairs awkward personal crises with absurd fantasy mechanics, bittersweet emotion, and a distinctly offbeat tone.
Movie Details
- Director
- Nacho Vigalondo
- Release Date
- 2017-04-06
- Runtime
- 109 min
- Rating
- 6.3 / 10 (2346)
Cast
- Anne Hathaway
- Jason Sudeikis
- Austin Stowell
- Tim Blake Nelson
- Dan Stevens
- Hannah Cheramy
- Nathan Ellison
- Sarah Surh
- Haeun Hannah Cho
- Joe Costa
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Colossal about?
- An unemployed woman discovers that her destructive impulses are mysteriously synchronized with a giant monster attacking Seoul.
- What is Colossal like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Colossal as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Colossal violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Colossal as moderate.
- What did critics think of Colossal?
- Critics broadly found the film inventive and genre-defying, with Anne Hathaway's performance and its strange premise earning praise despite uneven tone and plotting.
- Which films are like Colossal?
- Films with a similar feel include The One I Love, Safety Not Guaranteed, Godzilla, and Ruby Sparks.
- How long is Colossal?
- Colossal runs 109 minutes.
- Where can I watch Colossal?
- In United States, Colossal is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
