Colossal

Colossal

Year: 2017

Runtime: 109 min

Language: English

Director: Nacho Vigalondo

ActionSci-FiDramaThrillerFantasyComedy

A woman grappling with personal struggles discovers her life is inexplicably linked to a giant creature wreaking havoc in Seoul, Korea. As the city faces devastation, she investigates the connection, uncovering a startling truth about her own abilities and the immense, unpredictable power she possesses. The unfolding crisis forces her to confront her identity and the profound impact she has on the world.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Colossal yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Colossal (2017)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Colossal (2017). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

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.

🏙️ City 🌳 Park

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:24

Main Characters – Colossal (2017)

Meet the key characters of Colossal (2017), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

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

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

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:24

Major Themes – Colossal (2017)

Explore the central themes of Colossal (2017), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🤖 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.

🍻 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.

💔 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.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:24

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies where inner demons are literal monsters like Colossal

Stories where psychological turmoil manifests as a bizarre, destructive external force.If you liked Colossal's high-concept metaphor of personal struggles causing real-world destruction, you'll find similar stories here. These movies explore addiction, trauma, and mental health by transforming them into fantastical events, blending deep character drama with suspenseful supernatural or sci-fi plots.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives typically follow a protagonist who is unaware of a direct, often surreal, connection between their psychological state and a larger, chaotic event. The story arc involves their journey of discovery, denial, and eventual acceptance, culminating in a confrontation where they must master their inner turmoil to stop the external threat.

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They are grouped by their shared core device: using a genre premise (sci-fi, fantasy, horror) as a powerful metaphor for internal conflict. This creates a distinct viewing experience that is simultaneously introspective and intensely thrilling, with a heavy emotional weight grounded in real human struggles.

Character dramas about toxic small-town dynamics like Colossal

Character-driven stories about confronting past demons and manipulative relationships in claustrophobic settings.For viewers who appreciated Colossal's tense small-town setting and its exploration of manipulation and personal responsibility. This collection features movies about characters forced to reckon with their past and confront narcissistic abusers in claustrophobic environments, leading to heavy but transformative outcomes.

confrontationalunsettlingcatharticclaustrophobicanxiousdarkly humorouscharacter-driven

Narrative Summary

The plot revolves around a protagonist, often dealing with addiction or self-destructive tendencies, being drawn back into a suffocating environment dominated by a manipulative figure from their past. The story builds through psychological games and escalating tension, leading to a direct and explosive confrontation where the protagonist must seize their own agency, often with bittersweet consequences.

Why These Movies?

They share a specific mood blend: the anxiety of a claustrophobic setting, the dark humor of dysfunctional relationships, and the heavy, cathartic release of a final confrontation. The pacing is often variable, mixing slow-burn character scenes with bursts of high emotional intensity.

Unlock the Full Story of Colossal

Don't stop at just watching — explore Colossal in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Colossal is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Colossal Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Colossal, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Colossal Summary

Colossal Timeline

Track the full timeline of Colossal with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Colossal Timeline

Colossal Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of Colossal? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

Colossal Ending Explained

Colossal Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Colossal that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Colossal Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Colossal

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Colossal: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Colossal