The Lobster

The Lobster

Year: 2016

Runtime: 119 min

Language: English

Director: Giorgos Lanthimos

Sci-FiDramaThrillerComedyRomance

In a dystopian world, unmarried individuals are obligated to find a partner or risk being transformed into animals and disappearing into the wilderness. After escaping a peculiar hotel where singles are pressured to couple up, one man seeks refuge in the woods and unexpectedly falls for a woman. Their forbidden relationship challenges the strict rules governing love and freedom, leading to unforeseen consequences in this darkly comedic and thought-provoking story.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Lobster (2016)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Lobster (2016). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Contemporary

The film takes place in a contemporary setting, reflecting modern society's pressures regarding relationships and partnerships. This time period highlights the absurdity of social norms, juxtaposing love and companionship against extreme consequences for those who deviate from these norms.

Location

The Hotel, The Forest, The City

The Hotel serves as a confined space where the absurd societal rules dictate the lives of its inhabitants, emphasizing themes of conformity and desperation. The surrounding Forest symbolizes freedom and the harsh realities of life outside societal expectations, inhabited by the 'loners' who reject relationships. Finally, the City represents a contrasting backdrop of anonymity and chaotic freedom, where characters grapple with their choices and identities.

🏨 Hotel 🌲 Forest 🌆 City

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:50

Main Characters – The Lobster (2016)

Meet the key characters of The Lobster (2016), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

David

David, portrayed by Colin Farrell, is a deeply conflicted man grappling with the heart-wrenching aftermath of his wife's departure. His journey from compliance to rebellion showcases his desperation for genuine connection. Navigating absurd societal constraints, he reveals his loyalty, cunning, and emotional depth as he attempts to escape societal pressures.

👨‍💼 Protagonist 🦞 Transformation 😮 Grief

The Manager

The Hotel Manager, a cold and authoritative figure, embodies the oppressive structures governing the guests' behaviors. She wields power over the residents, enforcing rules to ensure adherence to societal norms. Her character symbolizes the ultimate enforcer of conformity, highlighting the absurdity of the hotel’s environment.

👩‍💼 Authority ❌ Control 📏 Rules

The Blind Woman

The Blind Woman, who shares a bond with David, represents both vulnerability and strength in the face of adversity. Their shared experiences in a cutthroat environment solidify a unique connection, proving that love can emerge even from chaos. Her character challenges the notions of dependency, emphasizing emotional resilience.

👩‍❤️ Vulnerability ♥️ Connection 😒 Struggle

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:50

Major Themes – The Lobster (2016)

Explore the central themes of The Lobster (2016), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Love and Isolation

The film explores the paradox of love, where characters are driven to extreme measures to avoid isolation. The enforced timelines and absurd societal rules create a sense of urgency that amplifies their desperation. Through David's journey, the film critiques the superficiality of relationships and the lengths individuals will go to find companionship.

🦞 Transformation

Transformation is a central theme, symbolizing the characters' fear of becoming something they do not wish to be. David's choice to potentially live as a lobster reflects the extremes of conformity and the loss of identity that individuals face in search of acceptance. The various transformations serve as a critique of societal expectations.

🤐 Power and Manipulation

The hotel embodies a microcosm of power dynamics, where the management enforces strict control over the guests. Relationships are often built on manipulation, as seen with David's partner and the maid's ulterior motives. The theme reveals how individuals navigate power struggles in desperate environments.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:50

Unlock the Full Story of The Lobster

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Lobster in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Lobster is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Lobster Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Lobster, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Lobster Summary

The Lobster Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Lobster with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Lobster Timeline

The Lobster Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of The Lobster? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

The Lobster Ending Explained

More About The Lobster

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Lobster: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Lobster

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