Anne Hathaway Colossal movie stands out as a unique entry in the actress’s filmography, blending sci-fi with dark comedy in a way that deserves far more recognition. Released in 2017, Colossal follows Hathaway’s character as she unknowingly controls a giant monster causing destruction thousands of miles away, a premise unlike any other in the kaiju genre.
A distinctive sci-fi tale with an unconventional twist
Directed by Nacho Vigalondo, Colossal tells the story of Gloria, played by Anne Hathaway, an unemployed woman who leaves New York City after being forced out of her apartment by her boyfriend. Returning to her small hometown, her life takes a bizarre turn when a gigantic creature begins wreaking havoc in South Korea. Gloria soon realizes she is mysteriously linked to the monster’s actions, controlling it from afar, which sparks a darkly comedic and chaotic sequence of events.
The film’s cast features notable names alongside Hathaway, including Jason Sudeikis, known for his role in Ted Lasso, Tim Blake Nelson, recognized for his performances in films like O Brother, Where Art Thou?, and Dan Stevens, who starred in The Guest. This ensemble brings depth and nuance to a story that combines emotional drama with extraordinary science fiction elements.
Behind the scenes: Ambitious direction and production
Nacho Vigalondo, who gained attention for his debut feature Timecrimes, sought to elevate his filmmaking by working with top-tier actors and a strikingly original narrative with Colossal. Operating on a modest $15 million budget, he crafted a movie that balances impressive visual effects with character-driven storytelling. Hathaway’s portrayal of Gloria stands out as genuinely captivating, lending emotional weight to the film’s surreal concept and earning praise for its complexity and subtlety.
Why Colossal struggled despite its potential
Although Colossal premiered at film festivals during 2016 and 2017 to positive critical reception, its theatrical release in the U.S. faced significant challenges. Distributed by NEON, a fledgling company at the time, the film opened on a limited number of screens in April 2017. This slow rollout hampered its visibility, preventing it from attracting a wide audience despite its strong cast and intriguing story.
The movie only reached a few hundred theaters and earned approximately $4.5 million at the box office, falling short of commercial success. This underperformance was disappointing given the film’s originality and the accolades Hathaway had already achieved earlier in her career, such as her Oscar win for Les Misérables and her role in blockbuster hits like The Dark Knight Rises.
All of that poignancy and clever commentary is couched in an absolutely wild premise about a woman and her Kaiju monster,
said /Film’s 2021 Daily Stream retrospective on Colossal.
The film’s lasting impact and growing appreciation
Despite its initial box office struggles, Colossal exemplifies how genre films can slowly find devoted audiences beyond their theatrical runs. The movie’s combination of sharp social commentary, dark humor, and supernatural elements sets it apart in the world of science fiction.
While Colossal has not yet reached the widespread cult status many believe it deserves, there remains strong potential for its reputation to grow as more viewers discover it through streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video. For now, it stands as a compelling and underrated work in Hathaway’s career, deserving of renewed attention and discussion.
With upcoming projects involving Hathaway, including her return alongside Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada 2, fans and cinephiles alike have even more reasons to revisit this hidden gem of a film and recognize the risk-taking that brought this imaginative story to life.
