Colossal

Abuse almost never starts as abuse.

Rescue fantasy is a common rom-com trope in which the troubled female protagonist needs to be saved and rectified in one way or another by a “Nice Guy”. Colossal deconstructs the “Nice Guy” trope that is often falsely romanticized in the media, proving that the “Nice Guy” is just as capable of abusive behaviour as the physically abusive men they would unhesitatingly condemn. When in truth, the only difference between those who physically abuse and mentally abuse others is their weapons of choice. To those who have suffered abuse, Oscar’s explosive tantrums in the film would not be unfamiliar, and the sweeping gifts that follow are in actuality a license for the perpetrators to inflict more pain on their victims guilt-free. The truth of the matter is physical abuse and emotional abuse are just as vicious as the other. Though, emotional abuse has a cleverer way of disguising itself. The “Nice Guy”’s volatile self is veiled by a thin layer of duplicitous kindness. And in the eyes of the perpetrators, by accepting their gestures of kindness, they are automatically entitled to your affections. Their display of kindness is an attempt to make sure that you play the game by their rules and to keep you at their heels.

Colossal cleverly connects the monsters to the characters’ inner havoc. Hathaway’s Gloria might be flawed but she is a heroine you can root for nonetheless. She realizes that her self-destructive behaviour affects the lives around her and actively seeks way to make amends for her mistakes. On the other hand, we have Oscar who is emasculated by his own circumstances. He first gains control over Gloria’s livelihood by circling her daily life. He then sees his connection to the monster as an opportunity to assert his dominance. He abuses that power to the point that he would hold Gloria hostage, and willingly jeopardize the innocent life of millions.

Innovative and thought-provoking, Colossal is an ambitious exposé on the subject of abuse. Original stories, like Colossal, is an absolute necessity.

(Originally posted on 2 Oct 2017 @projectunwrapped)