Colossal 2017
Directed by
Nacho Vigalondo
Made by
Neon
Plot Summary
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Colossal (2017). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
The film begins in Seoul, South Korea, where a small girl and her mother enjoy a stroll through a park in search of the girl’s lost doll. In a sudden turn of events, a bolt of lightning strikes, heralding the emergence of a towering monster that wreaks havoc on the city, leaving the girl in sheer terror.
Fast forward 25 years, we find Gloria, played by Anne Hathaway, stumbling home in the early hours, visibly hungover. She attempts to justify her erratic lifestyle to her boyfriend Tim (Dan Stevens), but he’s had enough of her excessive drinking and unemployment, and finally decides to pack her things. Left in disbelief, Gloria is soon joined by friends who arrive to party in the apartment.
Relocating from the city back to her roots in her parents’ old home, Gloria encounters her childhood companion Oscar (Jason Sudeikis). Their reunion leads her to the bar Oscar inherited from his father. At the bar, she also meets Oscar’s friends Garth ([Tim Blake Nelson]) and Joel ([Austin Stowell]). As they reminisce over drinks in a nostalgic part of the bar, tensions arise when Joel attempts to kiss Gloria, only for Oscar to intervene.
After a drunken trek home with an inflatable mattress, Gloria awakens to a call from her sister. A shocking news segment reveals that a monster is once again causing chaos in Seoul, igniting her fear. She tries to reach Tim, but he dismisses her due to her state of inebriation. With Oscar’s support, Gloria finds a job at the bar, receiving a television for her dreary living space, leading to more drinking and late-night adventures.
As Gloria witnesses the monster’s movements on the news, she realizes a shocking connection: the creature mirrors her actions. After testing this bizarre link in the park, where she inadvertently influences the monster’s behavior, she invites Oscar, Garth, and Joel to witness this phenomenon. The implications of their antics lead to disastrous consequences, resulting in massive destruction and loss of life. Burdened by guilt, Gloria attempts to communicate her remorse, reaching out to the people of Seoul with a heartfelt message written in the park.
After a complicated night with Joel, Gloria continues to navigate her troubled relationship with Oscar, battling their longstanding issues and his increasingly hostile behavior influenced by alcohol. During their confrontations, flashes of childhood memories unveil their complex history, turning violent as emotions erupt at the bar one night.
As the situation escalates, Gloria devises a plan to confront Oscar, who has become the robot terrorizing the city. In a gripping showdown that juxtaposes her empowerment against her dependency, Gloria travels to Seoul during an evacuation. Unfazed by the chaos surrounding her, she finds the courage to put an end to Oscar’s rampage, ultimately responding to his aggression with strength.
She triumphantly ejects the robot Oscar from the city, reclaiming her agency at the cost of their relationship. As Gloria walks away from the destruction, the scene shifts to her mourning the weight of the events that transpired. In a poignant conclusion, she enters a small restaurant where she meets a friendly woman behind the counter, ready to share her story as she begins to face her future anew.
Timeline
Follow the complete movie timeline of Colossal (2017) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Search for the Lost Doll
The film opens in Seoul, South Korea, where a small girl and her mother search for a lost doll in a park. This seemingly innocent moment is interrupted by a dramatic event that sets the stage for the chaos to follow.
Monster Emergence
A bolt of lightning strikes, heralding the arrival of a gigantic monster that wreaks havoc in Seoul. The girl is left terrified as the creature's destruction unfolds around her.
Gloria's Life in Disarray
Twenty-five years later, we meet Gloria, who is visibly hungover and struggling with her lifestyle choices. After an argument with her boyfriend Tim, she finds herself packing up her belongings, a moment that starkly illustrates her chaotic life.
Return to Roots
Relocating back to her parents' old home, Gloria encounters Oscar, her childhood friend. Their reunion opens up old memories as they share drinks and laughter at the bar Oscar inherited.
Tensions at the Bar
While reminiscing at the bar, tensions rise when Joel tries to kiss Gloria. Oscar intervenes, which leads to a moment of conflict that hints at the complexities of their relationships.
Shocking News from Seoul
After a wild night out, Gloria receives a call from her sister, delivering shocking news about a monster wreaking havoc in Seoul once again. This unsettling revelation brings back her childhood fears.
Connection with the Monster
As Gloria watches TV news reports, she realizes that the monster's movements mirror her own actions. This shocking discovery leads her to test this bizarre connection in a local park.
Exploring the Monster's Behavior
Inviting Oscar, Garth, and Joel to witness this strange occurrence, Gloria accidentally triggers disastrous consequences. The group's actions lead to significant destruction in Seoul, intensifying Gloria's sense of guilt.
Confronting Guilt
Burdened by the chaos they've caused, Gloria attempts to express her remorse to the people of Seoul. She writes a heartfelt message in a park, hoping to take responsibility for her role in the monster's destruction.
Conflict with Oscar
Gloria's relationship with Oscar takes a turbulent turn as their past influences their current dynamics. Their confrontations become increasingly volatile, revealing deep-seated issues exacerbated by alcohol.
Escalating Chaos
As tensions climb, Gloria realizes the necessity of confronting Oscar, who has transformed into the monster terrorizing the city. This situation reaches a critical point as emotions erupt during one of their conflicts.
The Showdown
Determined to end the destruction, Gloria travels to Seoul amidst an evacuation. In a gripping showdown, she confronts Oscar and takes a stand against his rampage, illustrating her growth and empowerment.
Reclaiming Power
In a bold move, Gloria manages to eject the monster Oscar from the city, marking a significant moment of reclaiming her agency. However, this victory comes at a painful cost to their relationship.
Reflecting on the Past
As Gloria walks away from the ruin, she reflects on the weight of the events that unfolded. The experience pushes her to come to terms with her past and embrace her future.
A New Beginning
In the film's conclusion, Gloria steps into a small restaurant and meets a friendly woman behind the counter. This moment signifies her readiness to share her story and face her future anew.
Characters
Explore all characters from Colossal (2017). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Gloria
Gloria is a complex character, depicted as a woman struggling with her past and present choices. Her journey from a party lifestyle to confronting her fears and taking control of her life illustrates her character development. She embodies strength and vulnerability, ultimately transforming through her experiences.
Oscar
Oscar serves as both a friend and an antagonist in Gloria's story. Initially supportive, his character becomes increasingly antagonistic, reflective of Gloria's fears and the influence of alcohol. His transformation underscores themes of friendship, jealousy, and the consequences of unresolved issues from the past.
Setting
Learn where and when Colossal (2017) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
Present Day, 25 years after a traumatic event
The film is set in the present day, 25 years after a terrifying incident involving a massive monster in Seoul. This time period highlights contemporary issues such as alcoholism, relationships, and personal responsibility, while also exploring the impact of past trauma on present actions.
Location
Seoul, South Korea
Seoul, the vibrant capital of South Korea, is known for its modern skyscrapers and rich history. The city was a place of both childhood memories and recent chaos, as a towering monster wreaked havoc in its streets. The contrast between the nostalgia of parks and the destructive nature of the monster represents the duality of Gloria's journey.
Themes
Discover the main themes in Colossal (2017). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
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Empowerment
Empowerment is a central theme as Gloria grapples with her dependency and seeks to reclaim her agency. Her journey involves confronting both her personal battles and the external chaos represented by the monster. Ultimately, she rises to the occasion, confronting her fears and demonstrating strength in the face of adversity.
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Addiction
The theme of addiction is prevalent throughout the film, particularly in Gloria's struggle with alcohol. Her dependency affects her relationships and decision-making, illustrating how addiction can lead to destructive patterns. As she attempts to overcome her struggles, the film sheds light on the challenges of recovery and self-awareness.
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Relationships
The tumultuous relationships in the film, particularly between Gloria and Oscar, highlight the complexities of friendship and love. Their bond is tested by past grievances and present conflicts, serving as a backdrop for personal growth. The film ultimately explores how relationships can both uplift and hinder personal progress.
Colossal Ending Explained
Unravel the ending of Colossal (2017) with our detailed explanation. Understand the final scenes, character fates, and unresolved questions.
In the climactic final scene of Colossal, Gloria confronts her former boss, Oscar, who has transformed into a giant robot monster and is wreaking havoc on Seoul. As she arrives in her hometown, her own giant creature appears, and she steps forward to face Oscar in a dramatic showdown. During this confrontation, instead of killing him coldly, Gloria physically lifts him and throws him away, but Oscar, overwhelmed by his rage and sense of power, calls her a “bitch” and screams at her. This outburst reveals that Oscar, who had already committed heinous acts by destroying Seoul, is driven by a need to assert dominance and control, refusing to accept weakness or defeat. His insults and rage underscore his toxic masculinity and his refusal to take responsibility for his actions.
Originally, the scene was meant to end with Gloria simply throwing Oscar aside in a cold, emotionless manner—similar to a Western showdown. However, Anne Hathaway, who played Gloria, felt that this would undermine her character’s empathy and moral struggle. She suggested that Oscar should be given one last chance to show humility and remorse, even if he fails. As a result, the director, Nacho Vigalondo, amended the scene so that Oscar’s final words are hostile rather than submissive, emphasizing his arrogance and inability to accept defeat. This choice made the ending more powerful, showing that Oscar’s destructive nature cannot be redeemed or forgiven.
In the end, Gloria’s act of physically defeating Oscar signifies a symbolic victory over both her abuser and his destructive ideology. Instead of forgiveness, the film concludes with Oscar’s defeat firmly established, highlighting that some evil acts are beyond reconciliation. The scene’s emotional intensity and the characters’ choices reinforce the film’s message about the consequences of unchecked power and toxicity. It’s a tragic but fitting ending, reflecting the idea that true justice sometimes means giving up on redemption and choosing to end the cycle of violence.
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