The Lobster review

In his English language debut, Greek director Yorgos Lathimos (Dogtooth) shows us a world where being single is taboo. ‘Loners,’ as they are called, are forced to stay in a hotel where they are given forty five days to find a partner. If they fail they will be turned into an animal of their choice.

One of the unlucky singletons starting his forty five days is David (Colin Farrell), a middle-aged Irishman who has recently separated from his wife. His choice of animal, should he fail to meet someone, is a lobster, reasoning that lobsters have long lifespans and are blue blooded, ‘like aristocrats.’

Farrell is refreshingly cast against type as the man trying to conform to society’s expectations. All of the cast, in fact, do an excellent job of capturing an awkwardness that doesn’t seem so much as brought about by the situation their characters are in as conditioned and bred into them.

Lathimos approaches the idea at the film’s centre with the right mixture of humour and horror

as he shows us human interactions stripped down to their most superficial aspects. In one scene, a man tries to form a bond with a woman by pretending to be a frequent victim of nosebleeds – she also has nosebleeds. While in another, David becomes obsessed with the short-sightedness he shares with another character. In the world of The Lobster it is these small similarities that are considered to be the basis of a successful relationship.

For those willing to suspend their disbelief for two hours, The Lobster is a witty and intriguing allegory on millennial attitudes to love and dating.

Star Rating: 4/5