Quick Info
So, The Lobster is one of those movies that sneaks up on you with its weirdness, but somehow manages to be both hilarious and a little bit sad at the same time. It's set in this surreal, slightly dystopian world where being single is illegal and you literally get turned into an animal if you don't find a partner. The dry, deadpan delivery of every line was honestly more effective than laugh-out-loud comedy; I found myself giggling at the sheer awkwardness of it all.
Colin Farrell plays the lead, and he feels so earnest and awkward you just want to hug him. Rachel Weisz and Olivia Colman are in it too, and everyone plays it totally straight, which makes the absurdity of the premise work. The supporting cast adds a lot, with really memorable minor characters—John C. Reilly, especially, is a standout in his sad, shuffling kind of way. It's not the kind of comedy where there are punchlines; it's more a slow burn, with moments that grow on you after they pass.
The film’s visual style is stark—lots of muted colors and empty spaces, which makes the whole world feel even weirder and lonelier. There’s a kind of uncomfortable intimacy to the way the camera lingers on people's expressions (or lack thereof). It’s almost clinical, but I think that matches the story’s take on relationships—cold, bureaucratic, and slightly off-kilter.
If I'm honest, the pacing can really drag in the second half. There are stretches that feel almost too quiet, and the tone stays pretty flat, so it won’t be for you if you like comedies that ratchet up the energy. There are moments that gross you out or make you cringe, which I think is part of the point, but might put off anyone looking for something lighter or more conventional.
You would enjoy this if you like your comedies dark, dry, and bizarre—think Wes Anderson but weirder, or if you’ve ever laughed at something you’re not even sure is supposed to be funny. It’s definitely for people who like their movies with a side of existential dread.
