The Lobster: A Bizarre Experience

​An offbeat buzz ride, The Lobster is one of the strangest movie-going experiences of 2016. 

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​​Prevailing through this short of strangeness will lead to greatness. The Lobster is definitely an acquired taste, but it’s one that every viewer should try once. Built on satire and loneliness, The Lobster brings us down to its bizzaro world. Director Yorgos Lanthimos (Dogtooth (Kynodontas) and Alps) sets his vision in contemporary Western society full of real people in strange situations.

Dry humor and absurdity are what make The Lobster so intriguing. Set in a dystopian near future, single people, according to the laws of The City, are taken to The Hotel, where they are obliged to find a romantic partner in 45 days or are transformed into an animal and sent into the woods. Yes, this is the plot and it’s completely crazy, but original. Actors Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, Léa Seydoux, Ben Whishaw and John C. Reilly all rise to the occasion, excelling The Lobster to even further heights.

​As the title hints too, if Mr. Farrell doesn’t find a mate within 45 days then he will be transformed into a lobster. Why a lobster, you ask? “Because lobsters live for over one hundred years, are blue-blooded like aristocrats, and stay fertile all their lives. I also like the sea very much.” This is Mr. Farrell’s reasoning behind that very creature and that’s all you need to know. The Lobster is not everybody’s cup of tea, however, if you manage to get through this absurd trip the rewards are even greater in the end. I guarantee it.  

The Lobster is rated R (Restricted) For sexual content including dialogue, and some violence.