What Is Colossal About?
The premise of Colossal in 317 words, with nothing given away. The full story and the ending follow below.
In a world where a sudden, inexplicable monster looms over Seoul, the ordinary and the extraordinary collide with a disorienting blend of dark humor and quiet dread. The city’s frantic news cycles and the creature’s bewildering movements create a backdrop that feels both eerily realistic and surreal, hinting at forces far beyond any single person’s control while keeping the focus intimate and human.
At the story’s center is Gloria, a woman whose life is a patchwork of stalled ambitions, lingering regrets, and a habit of drinking to numb the edges of a reality that feels increasingly unmoored. Returning to her childhood home after a painful breakup with Tim, she finds herself thrust back into an environment populated by familiar faces—most notably her old friend Oscar, who now runs a modest bar that becomes a reluctant sanctuary for her wandering thoughts. Their uneasy camaraderie, flavored with sharp wit and lingering resentment, paints a portrait of two people trying to reconcile the past with the present.
As the monster’s chaotic path across Seoul becomes a strange mirror to Gloria’s own movements, a subtle, uncanny link emerges, urging her to question the limits of her influence and the hidden depths of her own agency. The film leans into this mystery with a tone that oscillates between sardonic levity and reflective melancholy, inviting viewers to wonder whether the creature is a literal threat or a metaphor for the internal monsters we each carry.
Amidst the glowing neon of a city trembling under an impossible sky, Gloria stands at a crossroads, forced to confront the weight of her choices and the unsettling power she may possess. The story promises a journey that is as much about finding personal redemption as it is about navigating a world where the impossible feels startlingly close, leaving audiences curious about how far a single person can shape a fate that seems written on a colossal scale.
What Happens in Colossal?
The complete story of Colossal, from the first scene to the last, in 534 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 3 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
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.
Colossal Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Search for the Lost Doll” to “A New Beginning”. 10 events name a place, across 5 locations.
- 1
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.
Where:Seoul, South Korea
- 2
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.
Where:Seoul, South Korea
- 3
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.
When:25 years later
- 4
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.
- 5
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.
Where:Oscar's Bar
- 6
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.
- 7
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.
Where:Local Park
- 8
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.
Where:Park
- 9
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.
Where:Park
- 10
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.
Where:Oscar's Bar
Show the other 5 events of Colossal Hide the last 5 events
- 11
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.
- 12
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.
Where:Seoul, South Korea
- 13
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.
Where:Seoul, South Korea
- 14
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.
- 15
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.
Where:Restaurant
Who Are the Main Characters in Colossal?
2 characters, among them Gloria and Oscar: who each one is and the part they play in the story.
- G
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.
- 👩🦰 Protagonist
- 🍺 Alcoholism
- 💪 Strength
- O
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.
- 👨🦰 Companion
- 🤔 Conflict
- 🍻 Dependency
Where and When Is Colossal Set?
Colossal is set in Seoul and South Korea (Present Day, 25 years after a traumatic event). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
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.
Where
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.
- 🏙️ City
- 🌳 Park
What Are the Themes of Colossal?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Empowerment, Addiction and Relationships.
-
01
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.
-
02
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.
-
03
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.
How Does Colossal End?
The last act of Colossal and what it means, in 319 words. The ending lands as bittersweet. Big spoilers: read the plot summary first if you have not seen it.
The final act, in full
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.
What Kind of Film Is Colossal?
Dark in tone, with variable pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Dark
- Pacing
- Variable
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A darkly humorous and deeply unsettling film that externalizes a character's internal struggles with addiction and narcissism into a destructive kaiju metaphor, creating a tense and cathartic journey of self-confrontation.
- anxious
- darkly humorous
- confrontational
- unsettling
- cathartic
- introspective
- addiction and recovery
- bullying and narcissism
- externalized trauma
- childhood trauma
Content notes: alcoholism, domestic abuse, emotional manipulation, destruction of property, mass casualty events.
Quiz
How well do you remember Colossal? Test yourself on the story.
