πFull movie at end of the post
Β
The Lobster (2015), directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, is a darkly satirical dystopian film set in a society where single people are sent to a hotel and given 45 days to find a romantic partner. If they fail, they are transformed into an animal of their choice. David, the protagonist played by Colin Farrell, checks into the hotel after his wife leaves him, and he chooses to become a lobster if he fails to pair up.
Β
At the hotel, David witnesses the absurdity and cruelty of a world obsessed with relationships. Guests are encouraged to fake compatibility and punished for masturbation or forming connections that arenβt based on shared traits. The hotel also hosts daily propaganda sessions to reinforce the dangers of being alone, pushing people into desperate and hollow pairings just to avoid transformation.
Β
David initially tries to fit in, but after a failed and tragic attempt to fake a relationship with a heartless woman, he escapes into the woods. There he encounters the "Loners," a rebel group that lives by strict rules of enforced solitude β relationships are forbidden, and romance is punished just as harshly as singledom is in the hotel. Ironically, David falls in love with a fellow Loner, played by Rachel Weisz, which creates a new moral dilemma.
Β
The film contrasts two extremes: a society that mandates coupledom and one that outlaws love entirely. Through its deadpan humor and surreal tone, The Lobster critiques modern relationship norms, societal pressure, and the human fear of loneliness. David and his lover must navigate a world where connection is either forced or forbidden, highlighting the absurdity of systems that suppress genuine human emotion.
Β
The Lobster is a uniquely unsettling and thought-provoking film that blends science fiction, romance, and black comedy. With its stark visuals, minimalist dialogue, and haunting themes, it challenges audiences to reflect on the nature of love, freedom, and the roles society forces individuals to play in order to be accepted.
Β
