Get ready for a monster movie that's anything but typical. Colossal, the 2017 sci-fi dark comedy that baffled and delighted critics in equal measure, is officially stomping its way onto Paramount+ in the United States on October 1. And if you've never experienced its bizarre blend of kaiju chaos and personal drama, you're in for a wild ride.
Directed by Nacho Vigalondo, Colossal takes the familiar giant-monster formula and turns it inside out. Instead of a straightforward creature feature, the film uses its premise to explore alcoholism, toxic relationships, and the messy ways our personal demons can manifest on a global scale. It's a bold swing that mostly works, thanks to a committed cast led by Anne Hathaway.
What's Colossal About?
Hathaway stars as Gloria, an out-of-work party girl whose life is in shambles. After her boyfriend Tim (Dan Stevens) kicks her out, she retreats to her small hometown and reconnects with childhood friend Oscar (Jason Sudeikis), a bar owner who enables her drinking. Meanwhile, a giant monster begins attacking Seoul, South Korea, every night, captivating the world. Gloria soon discovers that her every move in a local playground is being mirrored by the creature on the other side of the globe. When her friends find out, a second, even more destructive monster appears, leading to an epic showdown.
The film also features Austin Stowell, Tim Blake Nelson, Agam Darshi, Rukiya Bernard, and Christine Lee in supporting roles.
Critical Acclaim and Audience Divide
Critics largely embraced Colossal's weirdness, giving it an 82% score on Rotten Tomatoes from over 260 reviews. Hathaway's performance was singled out for praise, as was the film's willingness to use its outlandish premise to tell a surprisingly intimate story. Audiences, however, were less enamored, resulting in a 58% Popcornmeter score. Commercially, the movie flopped, earning just $3 million domestically during its limited release.
Despite its box office failure, Colossal has become a cult favorite for its unique take on the monster genre. If you're a fan of movies that truly get video games, you might appreciate its playful approach to genre conventions. And for those who enjoy a good psychological twist, it's a must-watch.
Why Dan Stevens Fans Should Tune In
Dan Stevens continues to be one of the most interesting actors working today, and his role as Tim in Colossal is a far cry from his work in Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. Here, he plays the seemingly sensible boyfriend whose presence looms over Gloria's journey. It's a reminder of his versatility, which will also be on display in the upcoming Rebecca Ferguson's 'Doctor Sleep' haunts Paramount+ this October—another genre title hitting the streamer.
If you're looking for more sci-fi on Paramount+, don't miss Spielberg's overlooked sci-fi series 'Extant', which recently found a new audience on the platform.
The Bottom Line
Colossal is not your average monster movie. It's a daring, strange, and occasionally frustrating film that dares to be different. With its talented cast and unique vision, it's well worth a stream when it arrives on Paramount+ on October 1. Just don't expect Godzilla-sized box office numbers—expect something far more personal.
