The Lobster is Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos’ strange satirical vision of the contemporary human couple. The film follows David, pitch-perfectly played by Colin Farrell, a man who has recently been informed by his wife that she no longer loves him.
David sets out for a special hotel for singles, which gives its guests 45 days to find a suitable partner. However, if they do not find someone to couple with in time, they are then transformed into an animal of their choosing. David has chosen to be a lobster if he fails to find a partner, hence the title of the movie.
Lanthimos has crafted a vastly interesting world within his quirky dark comedy. The film takes a step back from modern society, painting a grim yet sarcastic reality about the ways in which humans value romantic companionship. With the exception of David, none of the characters are known by formal names. They are all known by their “defining characteristic” as the film likes to call it.
Other guests at the hotel include: Biscuit Woman, Lisping Man (portrayed by comedy star John C. Reilly), and a woman simply know as another’s best friend. The singles search for a mate with the same defining characteristic to match up with, one being a man and a woman who both suffer from chronic nosebleeds. If the newly formed couples face any further problems, they will be assigned a child. “That usually helps,” says the hotel manager, further reasserting the satirical nature of the film.
The central theme of The Lobster is the idea of forced companionship. Societal norms, much like the hotel displayed in the film, forces people to be coupled. Being alone is not an option in the filmic world, and perhaps not even in our own. However, hotel guests who are nearing the end of their 45-day trial period try to escape the complex, and in turn, the transformative surgery into an animal.
“The loners,” as they are referred to, form their own society in the woods outside of the hotel. Contrasting the hotel, a “loner” is not allowed to be romantic in any fashion without facing punishment. The penalties faced by our characters force them to be a certain way, portraying a society bleak in the ways of choice.
Although The Lobster is primarily a grim satire, it is not devoid of charm. The dialogue of the film is hilariously specific and deadpan. Every character states exactly what they are feeling, as well as what they plan on doing, all in a monotone, straight-to-the-point fashion. For example, David rattles off several reasons when asked why he has chosen to be a lobster, including because their blood is blue, just like aristocrats.
The Lobster has a 92 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes and was nominated for the 2015 Cannes Film Festival’s top prize: The Palme d’Or. The strange but ambitious film is certainly catering towards a specific audience. It is not for everyone, but those who understand its sarcasm and are able to roll with it will be significantly entertained.
