Anne Hathaway’s R-rated sci-fi horror film Colossal has officially arrived on Netflix, offering a second chance for viewers to discover this unique title. The actress expressed hope that the movie’s availability on the streaming platform will help it find the audience it struggled to reach during its initial theatrical release.
A Versatile Career Leading to a Bold Film Choice
Anne Hathaway, known for her wide-ranging roles from the light comedy The Devil Wears Prada to the science fiction epic Interstellar, first rose to prominence through Disney’s The Princess Diaries in 2001. She later earned an Oscar in 2012 for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Les Misérables. Hathaway’s choice to star in Colossal, a blend of sci-fi and black comedy, showcases her willingness to take creative risks beyond mainstream fare.
The Plot and Premise of Colossal
Colossal centers on Gloria, played by Hathaway, an alcoholic woman grappling with control issues and complicated relationships. After being kicked out by her boyfriend Tim, portrayed by Dan Stevens from Legion, she returns to her hometown. There, an old acquaintance named Oscar, played by Jason Sudeikis, offers her a job at his bar.
The story takes an extraordinary twist when Gloria discovers that her nighttime activities on a playground mysteriously correspond with the appearance of a gigantic kaiju wreaking havoc in Seoul, South Korea. This inventive concept explores themes of addiction and personal demons through a sci-fi lens, blending intimate drama with imaginative monster fantasy.
Critical Praise Versus Initial Reception
Colossal has earned acclaim for its bold narrative and original approach, holding an 82% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It was well received at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) upon its 2016 premiere, drawing attention to its high-concept storytelling. However, the film did not achieve the commercial success anticipated during its theatrical run, leaving it overshadowed despite positive reviews.
Anne Hathaway’s Personal Connection to the Film
Hathaway encountered the script during a period she described as
“a little bit of an artistic no-man’s land.”
She was interested in scripts with boundary-pushing elements similar to Ben Wheatley’s A Field in England, a dark, experimental film introduced to her by director Jonathan Demme. The emotionally rich and genre-defying nature of Colossal resonated with Hathaway, drawing her to the challenging role of Gloria.
Portrayal of Addiction and Toxic Relationships
Hathaway’s performance highlights the raw and uncomfortable realities of addiction without romanticizing it. The evolving and codependent dynamic between Gloria and Oscar reflects the complexity of toxic relationships often linked to substance abuse and emotional manipulation. These authentic elements ground the film’s more fantastical aspects, giving the narrative emotional weight even during its explosive finale.
Director Nacho Vigalondo’s Personal Touch
At the 2017 South by Southwest (SXSW) festival, director Nacho Vigalondo shared insights about the deeply autobiographical nature of the film during an interview with ScreenRant’s Kristy Puchko. He explained that both main characters represent different sides of himself:
“This movie is absolutely filled with personal stuff. It’s ultimately autobiographical. I’m her most of the times. I just put myself in her shoes. I felt her. Her situation in the beginning when she’s totally out of control, I’ve been there. Not in the same terms, but I’ve felt out of control…But he’s also some part of me, that I don’t want to represent me.
So it’s interesting to make them fight. To make one flawed part of myself fight with another flawed part of myself. It’s a way to explore yourself. Making fiction is the only way you can turn therapy into a profitable thing. You’re depressed? You hate yourself?
Art can fix you.”
-Nacho Vigalondo, Director
This statement reveals how Colossal served not only as an inventive sci-fi story but also as a form of personal therapy for Vigalondo, reflecting themes of inner conflict and healing through art.
The Film as Art and Catharsis
Both Hathaway and Vigalondo approached Colossal with a sense of artistic catharsis, addressing internal struggles through a genre film. Viewers who connect with Gloria’s journey of confronting personal flaws and reclaiming control have found the movie meaningful and thought-provoking. Now that Colossal is on Netflix, it has an opportunity to reach broader audiences who may appreciate its complex themes and dark humor.
Main Cast Bringing Characters to Life
The film stars Anne Hathaway as Gloria, the troubled protagonist who discovers an extraordinary link between her actions and a monstrous presence overseas. Jason Sudeikis plays Oscar, Gloria’s old friend who offers her support but also embodies troublesome aspects of her life. Dan Stevens appears as Tim, Gloria’s boyfriend whose rejection sets the story in motion.
Why Colossal Matters Today
As the film gains new life on Netflix, it stands as a reminder of how innovative storytelling can explore serious issues like addiction and toxic relationships within unconventional genres. Hathaway’s work in Colossal shows her range and commitment to daring projects, while Vigalondo’s personal infusion adds authenticity and depth. This availability invites audiences to reconsider the movie’s value and may help it finally achieve the recognition it deserves.
