D Yorgos Lanthimos | UK, 2015
The Lobster, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos is a wonderful original film. Everything, from the offbeat story to the deadpan acting is unique. The Lobster is set in a world in which everyone must have a partner, and if your mate dies or leaves you for someone else, then you must attend a “retreat” where you have 45 days to find a new mate or be turned into the animal of your choosing. The only way to extend your stay is to capture stray single people in the forest by shooting them with a tranquilizer gun. The people who are captured are then turned into the animal that no one wants to be.
The film is filled with humorous moments like exotic animals roaming around the forest with deeper references to heteronormative society and a critique of traditional values. The main character, David is played brilliantly by a slightly overweight Colin Farrell. His desperation to fit in, mixed with his simplistic deadpan delivery and feigned innocence is truly engaging.
The cast is filled with stars including Rachel Weisz as the Short Sighted Woman, Ben Whishaw as the Limping Man and John C Reilly as the Lisping Man. Most people in this film are flawed or disabled in some way, and are desperately trying to fit in. I hope that this film gets a general release so that I can see it again!
