Netflix just added a sci-fi comedy with Anne Hathaway — and it’s one of the strangest movies I’ve ever watched

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‘Colossal’ has a surprisingly dark twist

Anne Hathaway in "Colossal" movie (2016)
(Image credit: Neon / TCD / Prod.DB / Alamy)

Netflix subscribers looking to mix up their watchlist this week have a surprising treat arriving on the streamer in the form of “Colossal.” While Anne Hathaway is best known for iconic roles like “The Devil Wears Prada,” fans excited about the record-breaking trailer for the upcoming sequel might want to check out one of her more overlooked performances first. Released in 2016, “Colossal” didn’t get the attention it deserved at the time, despite its inventive use of dark comedy and monster movie spectacle.

“Colossal” follows a woman who unexpectedly discovers a bizarre connection between her actions and a giant creature wreaking havoc across Seoul. It’s an offbeat, genre-defying story full of humor, heartbreak, and genuine tension, strengthened by Hathaway’s compelling performance alongside “Ted Lasso” star Jason Sudeikis. I had no idea what to expect, having never heard of this movie before, but it’s safe to say it completely defied my expectations (arguably one of the strangest flicks I’ve seen in a while).

Now that it’s streaming on Netflix, viewers have the perfect opportunity to experience this underrated role before diving into the buzz surrounding Hathaway’s upcoming sequel. Here’s why “Colossal” deserves a spot on your watchlist this week.

What is ‘Colossal’ about?

Colossal - Official Trailer - 2017 Action Sci-Fi Movie HD - YouTube Colossal - Official Trailer - 2017 Action Sci-Fi Movie HD - YouTube
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“Colossal” follows Gloria (Hathaway), an out-of-work writer whose chaotic lifestyle leads her boyfriend Tim (Dan Stevens) to end their relationship and kick her out of their New York apartment. With nowhere else to go, she returns to her childhood home in a small New England town and reconnects with an old friend, Oscar (Sudeikis), who offers her a job at his bar. While Gloria settles into this quieter life, news breaks that a massive reptilian creature is attacking Seoul, South Korea.

She soon discovers that whenever she walks through a local playground at a specific time each morning, the distant monster manifests and its movements mirror her own. As the phenomenon escalates, Gloria and Oscar, along with their friends, try to understand and influence what’s happening. This leads Gloria to confront the strange link between her actions and the creature’s impact halfway across the world.

‘Colossal’ is a deceptively strange monster tale

Jason Sudeikis in "Colossal" movie (2016)

(Image credit: Neon / Moviestore Collection Ltd / Alamy)

I went into “Colossal” having only read a brief premise and skipped the trailer, and I came out pleasantly surprised (and admittedly a little confused) by what I’d just watched for 110 minutes. Not in a bad way, though, because “Colossal” is a quirky, fun little gem that sci-fi comedy fans will definitely appreciate. Just make sure you go in with your expectations in check. Nacho Vigalondo’s film might be the quirkiest monster movie you’ll ever watch. It draws you in with its inventive, offbeat premise, then surprises you with a deeply human story, exploring the full breadth of adult relationships.

“Colossal” opens with a young girl and her mother in Seoul, searching for a lost doll in the park, only to witness a gigantic creature striding between the buildings. Fast forward 25 years, and we meet Hathaway’s character, Gloria, stumbling into her boyfriend’s apartment still drunk from a night out. The movie quickly establishes that she struggles with heavy drinking, which impacts her personal life, friendships, and career. One breakup and flight later, she’s back in her hometown for some healing. The first act plays out like a drama, while the rest of the movie twists into a darker, fantastical story that reflects Gloria’s mindset.

While this sci‑fi flick primarily centers around Hathaway, another important character (her old best friend) makes the story even more impactful. Sudeikis comes across as charming enough to make you want this to be a rom‑com between the two, since it certainly plays out that way, but slowly, you come to realize he has his own demons. Arguably enough to make him extremely unlikable.

Anne Hathaway in "Colossal" movie (2016)

(Image credit: Neon / TCD / Prod.DB / Alamy)

While “Colossal” thrives on fleshing out its characters and the conflicts between them, I have a feeling most viewers will be drawn to the absurd-looking monsters wreaking havoc. Yes, the purpose of these creatures is a little on the nose for me, but they help lighten the darker story arcs while literally showing how inner conflict can manifest. “Colossal” uses this fantastical element to show how personal struggles and poor choices can ripple outward, affecting the people around you. Again, it’s undeniably on the nose, but that’s exactly what makes it work as a dark comedy.

I hope its arrival on Netflix doesn’t see it get overshadowed, much like what happened with the sci‑fi thriller “Archive,” which was recently added. “Colossal” puts a creative spin on a pretty serious subject, with Hathaway and Sudeikis turning in really strong performances.

The movie’s clever gimmick is quite literally huge, but the heart of it is really just the story of two ordinary, struggling people trying to make sense of their lives. The concept is definitely a little strange, and it might throw some viewers at first, but once the film finds its rhythm, it’s surprisingly funny and smart. And that’s why it deserves to be on your Netflix watchlist this week!

Stream "Colossal" on Netflix now

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Alix Blackburn
Alix Blackburn
Senior Streaming Writer (UK)

Alix is a Senior Streaming Writer at Tom’s Guide, which basically means watching the best movies and TV shows and then writing about them. It’s a dream job for someone who’s been obsessed with storytelling since she first figured out how to work a remote. 


Before joining Tom’s Guide, Alix honed her skills as a staff writer with outlets like Screen Rant and Bough Digital, where she discovered her love for the entertainment industry. 


She heads to the cinema every week as a tradition, no matter what’s showing. For her, movies aren’t just entertainment — they’re a ritual, a comfort, and a constant source of inspiration. When she’s not at her desk or at the cinema, you’ll probably find her deep into a horror video game on her PC.

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