The Lobster

The Lobster

Year: 2016

Runtime: 119 min

Language: English

Director: Giorgos Lanthimos

Sci-FiDramaThrillerComedyRomance

In a dystopian near-future, singles are forcibly paired or face a gruesome fate: transforming into beasts and fleeing to the woods. One desperate man flees The Hotel, only to find himself in a forbidden romance with a fellow loner, threatening to upend the societal norms of love and freedom in this darkly comedic thrill ride.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Lobster yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

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

Similar Movies to The Lobster
Discover movies like The Lobster that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.