NEW BLOOD HORRORESQUE: COLOSSAL

COLOSSAL
Toy Fight/Bright light
2017 Color
110 Mins.
Horror/Comedy
Anne Hathaway, Jason Sudekis, Austin Stonewall and Tim Blake Nelson star.
Written and Directed by Nacho Vigalondo
Rated R for language, violence and adult themes.

Although technically not a horror film, not a comedy and not a sci-fi film. Colossal is very much a unique and much needed representation of the tired genre. The film centers on a washed up, alcoholic, party girl who returns to her home town after her boyfriend (Dan Stevens-currently the Beast in Disney's Beauty and the Beast and the sexy mofo from The Guest) breaks up with her. Aimless she runs into an old friend who now owns his father's bar played by the talented Jason Sudekis. Coinciding  almost immediately with her arrival a Kaiju monster attacks Seoul, Korea. As the movie moves along she discovers that if she enters a certain patch of land at a certain time the monster will appear halfway across the world and mimic anything she does. We also discover that Jason Sudekis, when walking into the same patch of land becomes a Giant Robot as well. I know most of you are probably rolling your eyes but it's all pretty awesome. She of course becomes very aware of the consequences of her actions and Sudekis begins to abuse his newfound power challenging her. It all culminates to a really unique, impressive, unexpected showdown. There are so many things to love about this movie but let's start off with the performances. Both Hathaway and Sudekis are fantastic. It's her best and most likable role in the last few years she gives Gloria a depth of emotion and desperation and still manages to be quite funny.

 Sudekis on the other hand is so likable for the film's first half before transforming believably into a sociopathic monster of sorts. Writer/ Director Vigalondo smartly ushers the proceedings with a comedic edge. And even when the film gets really dark it still remains entertaining and relatable. And it's no secret when it comes to the films subtext, symbolism and message. Gloria's actions regarding her life and it's direction have consequences not just for her but all the others around her. The Kaiju portion of the film I don't think should be taken at face value it's symbolic of the destruction someone can do when not paying attention to how it affects others. It's a profound statement delivered in a warped, gargantuan, cinematic way. Colossal of course isn't perfect it could have used a bit more comedy and a bigger finale but in the end it all feels very appropriate. For those reasons it won't branch out to the mainstream audience but it's a remarkable little gem nonetheless and a welcome return for Hathaway as well as a career changer for funny man Sudekis. ****.25/5