Colossal (2017)

Review

109min

Genre:       Drama, Fantasy

Director:    Nacho Vigalondo

Cast:         Anne Hathaway, Jason Sudeikis, Austin Stowell…and more

Writer:      Nacho Vigalondo

-Synopsis-

A young American woman—whose life is on an alcohol-fuelled downward spiral—discovers that she’s somehow linked to a series of attacks on Seoul South Korea by a giant monster, in this unique and metaphorical character drama/fantasy from Spanish writer/director Nacho Vigalondo.

Having built an acting filmography in Spain and then a directorial career on both sides of the pond, defined by sci-fi and thrillers, Vigalondo (Timecrimes, Open Windows) strikes original premise gold with this unique human drama and monster story—a reflective and far-fetched tale which is simultaneously metaphorical and literal, and brought to life by an Oscar-winning actress and an American comedic star.

Anne Hathaway stars as ‘Gloria’; an out-of-work, impulsive, fast-living, self-destructive writer in New York who moves back to her small hometown after the breakdown of her relationship at the hands of her alcoholism—only to rekindle a childhood friendship with ‘Oscar’ (Jason Sudeikis) and form some new ones. When her return home seems to coincide with the devastating appearance of a giant creature in Seoul, Gloria soon discovers that she may be bizarrely responsible for more than her own destruction, as events from her past and long-held resentments shape an unlikely future . . . for more than just herself.

There’s no getting around the eccentric nature of this unorthodox indie and its idiosyncratic central narrative. Much like 2016’s unique ‘Swiss Army Man’, this film revolves around a wacky central premise that’s simultaneously metaphoric and literal, which just about explains the why but isn’t at all concerned with the how of the story. But unlike last year’s gloriously bizarre ‘super-corpse’ dramedy, ‘Colossal’ never truly commits to its weirdness or the possibilities it could bring—with the giant monster element quickly becoming a sideshow to the inner turmoil and emotional battleground faced by Gloria and those around her, being wheeled back out at opportune moments and for a big set-piece conclusion . . . but coming-off more as a gimmick than the heart of the picture.

Yet despite all its quirks and the presence of Sudeikis, not to mention the few genuine comedic moments which are often punctured by pathos, ‘Colossal’ can hardly be classified as a comedy at all, neither is it a romance of any kind so thankfully we’re spared any predictable relationship trajectory or rom-com clichés.

Instead we get a reflective character drama about the huge formative effects of childhood experiences and trauma, expressed through a monstrous central metaphor about the devastating effects of alcoholism and substance abuse—on the person and everyone around them. It’s also a creative commentary on the dark beast which lives inside all of us, whatever form it takes, making life difficult for its host and society in general, and for which we should all take individual responsibility.

Hathaway breezily holds the story together with all her experience, giving gravitas to the struggles of a complex yet slightly underdeveloped lead character, thanks to a brief and vague back-story. Meanwhile Austin Stowell and Tim Blake Nelson bring innocence and charm to their supporting characters (and Gloria’s new circle of friends)—but it’s Jason Sudeikis who turns out to be the unexpected (and perhaps unwanted) core of the story . . . and its dramatic catalyst. Taking the relationship drama element of the film to unexpected places and exploring the heavy weight of resentment on life, while continuing to impress us with his non-comedic chops.

‘Colossal’ might not quite deliver on the promise of its fascinating premise and it may only masquerade as a monster flick, even in the context of a genre mashup, but this is still a captivating relationship drama and reflective character piece with a sting in the tail, and delivered in a truly original package that’s worth a gander—just don’t expect much of a creature feature or a traditional quirky relationship drama.

The Bottom Line . . .

Although it doesn’t quite deliver on the promise of its unique genre hybrid premise, ‘Colossal’ manages to subvert expectations and predictable tropes enough to be worthy of its two stars, and their accomplished performances. Nacho Vigalondo’s metaphoric character piece could have used more commitment to its wackiness, but has enough twists & turns to hold your undivided attention . . . and leaves us wondering what its writer/director’s singular vision might conjure up next.

Similar films you may like (Home Video)

Swiss Army Man (2016)

A desperate man stranded on a deserted island finds solace in the company of a flatulent dead body which washes up on the shore; but this multi-purpose corpse is more than meets the eye, proving to be his salvation and the key to his self-discovery in what is surely the most surreal and bizarrely uplifting comedy/drama of the year.

Directed by Dan Kwan & Daniel Scheinert and starring Paul Dano, Daniel Radcliffe and Mary Elizabeth Winstead among others.

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