The Lobster

In a time where it feels like we only see reboots, remakes, sequels, and prequels, we have to remember that there are original films out there. These films don’t stem from another IP like a previous film, book, or video game. These films are just original. These films are mostly independent films that probably don’t have the budget of the big blockbusters but sometimes they don’t need to be spectacles. These films are just breaths of fresh air that remind you that there is original content out there, you just need to find it. Now… the tradeoff is that you get really weird films like The Lobster.

The Lobster takes place in a science fiction world where people who are single have a finite number of days to be single. If they do not find a partner, they are turned into an animal of their choice. Now when I first heard this concept, I thought it was through some kind of magic, but instead it’s all a part of a society that has some very strange rules. I wish I could tell you what this society totally consists of but it is a little bit confusing what the rules are. However, I feel like the ambiguity of the rules is kind of intentional and it creates for a creepy atmosphere that you feel a uncomfortable in. The first

half of the movie takes place in a hotel where people are divided between being couples and being single. But they eventually go to a city where the police detain people if they are not with their respective partner. And the people that refuse to be in a couple exile themselves to the woods where they are hunted by the people looking for partners. The best analogy I can think of is if the entire world was a real life dating reality show set in the Hunger Games universe.

The story focuses on David (played by Colin Farrell) and the funny thing is, he’s actually the only one with a real name. Everyone else is just described by their features and what is specific about them. Ben Whishaw is in this movie and he’s only known as the Limping Man. Rachel Weisz is only known as the Short sighted woman. And it really points out the themes of this movie. It has really interesting commentary on loneliness, relationships, finding love, and being alone. It is quite the hyperbole of these things so you might have a couple of moments where you’re very confused on why things don’t work out for David or why he’s doing the things that he is doing. Again, the rules of this society aren’t one hundred percent explained so it can be a little bit confusing but it does serve a purpose for the themes in this movie.

The thing that I liked about this movie is that while it had very knock it over your head themes that they really wanted to get across one way or another, it was still a little bit of a science fiction journey for the character of David and you actually get pretty invested in his story. His very weird story.

Now you might be put off by a couple things in this movie. I’ve talked to a couple people and they said that the movie got too weird and was a little too slow to keep watching. And when you finish the movie, you will not be able to deny the elements of this movie that are pretty damn weird. The hotel that they are staying at seems so proper and innocent that when incredibly graphic violence happens or just weird shit happens. On top of all of that, it is a very British film. It has a lot of humor that is very dry and almost cruel but at the same time it made me laugh a lot. The movie rides a fine line between comedic moments and really dark moments. In my opinion, its done really well. As much as I was kind of appalled on how weird this movie was, the tones and themes of this movie along with it just being quirky and original really made this movie a pleasure to watch.

This is an interesting movie for anybody to watch but it really does point out the intricacies of dating and finding a partner in a hyperbolized way but at the same time it’s very relevant. This movie does for single people what Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind did for people going through a break up. It is going to have a lot of moments that will speak to someone who is single and trying to find someone to fall in love with.

The truth is, The Lobster is not for everyone. Like I said it has some really weird moments with some really graphic and kind of depressing imagery. It also has a very British feel to it which I don’t think will speak to a lot of people. However, it is a very original idea and worth at least checking out to see if you like it. You might come out of the movie with a weird feeling in your stomach but at the same time it is something I don’t think you’ve ever really experienced.

But what did you think of the Lobster? I know it’s a weird one, but did that make the movie going experience worse or better? Comment and Discuss below! You can also send me your thoughts on Twitter @cmhaugen24 as well as send me your requests for films I should review in the future. If you follow me on Twitter you can get updates on future movie news and reviews coming out of this blog.

I'll leave you with this. This is Colin Farrell explaining the plot probably better than I can and explaining the weight change he had to go through while filming this film. Enjoy!