'The Lobster' Review

First off, thank you to Alicia Malone for recommending this film to her viewers and Twitter followers while she was covering the Cannes Film Festival (have yet to dislike a film she's recommended). Before this year, I've never paid much attention to indie films, partly because they are usually limited releases and don't have the same appeal as other, more well marketed films. Luckily, The Lobster was a wide release, and had great reviews, so I did not hesitate in buying my ticket and embarking on yet another cinematic journey.

The Lobster is set in a dystopian society where couples are the norm, and those who have yet to find their mate are sent to a hotel that gives them 45 days to meet someone, or risk being turned into an animal of their choice (guess which animal Colin Farrell picked). Following the story of David (Colin Farrell), a man who checks into this hotel after an 11 year and 1 month relationship leaves him newly single, we see the bizarre and weird unfold. It honestly feels like you're checking into a prison rather than a hotel, due to the strict regulations and guidelines that surround this place. They emphasize the need of a partner, demonstrating different scenarios that mean life or death if you're either alone or with someone. Compatibility is also used in a very superficial way, assuming that people only need to have one thing in common for them to be suitable partners. Think of the "Martha" scene in Batman v. Superman.

The characters you meet along the way in this film are never assigned a name, only a description, which makes it hard for you to really connect with them on a deeper level. For some films that could be quite detrimental, but it works tremendously well here. Character interactions in this film are unlike any I've ever seen before. Awkward conversations, blunt requests, bizarre developments and dark humor surround almost every scene. Aside from the central plot, a love story does unfold between Colin Farrell's character and Rachel Weisz's character. I honestly cannot delve deeper into that part of the story because I feel it would take away from the experience. The ending will leave you a bit speechless.

These small films really do have some of the best performances audiences will see and The Lobster is no exception. Colin Farrell's portrayal of David is extremely captivating. While we've seen him play a number of different roles in the past, his portrayal of this awkward and seemingly depressed man is probably his best yet. Rachel Weisz, Lea Seydoux, Ben Wishaw and John C. Reilly also turn in great performances and give this film a lot of variety in terms of their personalities. None of these actors are there just to earn a paycheck. Everyone in this film adds a little something different that makes it the odd, yet very entertaining and thought provoking film it is.

Before you run out and buy a ticket for The Lobster (which I know you're doing right now, obviously), this film is not for everyone. Despite a 91% critic rating, I know many people will hate this film (animals do die in this movie). But, if indie films are your thing or you're into watching these types of films with original, character driven stories, definitely see it. But, if you end up gouging your eyes out with a knife, I apologize.