Review of Colossal

Plot: A helpless drunk returns home to make sense of her destructive life but, as it turns out, an entire nation a world away may be the one who will face her demons.

Admittedly, "Colossal",  a movie with its feet firmly planted in several genres, is something of a difficult concept to market and, for that reason, one can forgive how it was somewhat misleadingly promoted. Of course, the downside to that misstep mean that the film was, ironically enough, a colossal failure. One which was exacerbated by its extremely limited theatrical run. Truly a shame, as Nacho Vigalondo's (Timecrimes) eclectic blend of dramedy, kaiju movie, dark psychodrama, and fantasy make for quite the fulfilling watch.

Gloria (Anne Hathaway) is a woman whose dependency on alcohol has kept her from fully coming into her own, leaving her feeling empty and overly dependent on her significant other. That is, until her security blanket is swept out from under her. Returning to her childhood home, she aims to make some sense of her life. Enter, Oscar (Jason Sudeikis), an old school friend who lends a helping hand by giving her work...at his bar. It's not long before Gloria is back in her old habits again but this time the destructive effects of her alcoholism have much broader effects. How broad? Well, let's just say Seoul, Korea may be a the mercy of a creature bonded to Gloria's actions. Jarred by this revelation Gloria begins to undergo a period of increasing self-realization which uncovers a lot of uncomfortable truths about herself and, surprisingly, someone very close to her.  

The movie elegantly transitions from black comedic fantasy to something much darker at this point. What was formerly one woman's struggle with herself becomes a confrontation between her and someone whose insecurities have mutated into impotent rage. Worse, their personal battle will be the spectacle of a kaiju battle heard round the world. 

"Colossal" never once falters to juggle the multitude of elements and tones it openly courts. That Hathaway and Sudeikis as leads turn in wonderfully nuanced performances only elevates the writer-director's achievements. The film's larger-than-life elements are judiciously utilized for maximum effect. One might think that an appreciative audience would clamor for more kaiju but the film's human narrative is the meat of the story and, unlike a Godzilla flick, actually carries its weight (and then some). For those wondering, "Colossal" was a low-budget endeavor but  the effects work is beautifully rendered and the creature design is greatly endearing. 

"Colossal" adroitly tackles a lot of themes: dependency, lack of self worth, control, repressed anger, corrupting power, growth, etc. Ultimately, however, "Colossal" is a unique and charmingly gratifying look at alcoholism down to its wryly cynical final shot that reminds you that the battle never ends.