In an era of sequels, superhero films, reboots, remakes and blockbusters overshadowing small independent films, The Lobster changes everything because it is a film that makes you want to spend 15 dollars for a ticket for all sorts of different reasons. You see, cinema-goers are now going to the theater to be entertained and thrilled with excitement versus purchasing a ticket to feel, think, and live vicariously through someone else. People are not going to the theater to see art anymore. The Lobster is unique because it is thrilling, entertaining, comical and most importantly will make you think and feel something important, leaving you with a new perspective on why we are supposed to go to the cinema.

The logline description of the film on IMDB states:

“In a near dystopian future, single people, according to the laws of The City, are taken to The Hotel, where they are obliged to find a romantic partner in forty-five days or are transformed into beasts and sent off into The Woods.”

Colin Farrell plays David, a mustachioed-short sighted-overweight middle-aged man who checks himself into the hotel to find love. The animal of his choice is a lobster, and that is a unique choice because according to the film, everyone chooses to be a dog because we live in a world full of dogs. We follow his character progress throughout the story, deciding whether or not to conform to societal norms versus becoming a vigilant independent person who lives in the woods. This is an ongoing question in life that has been pronounced since the beginning of time: Shall I conform, or shall I be independent?

I do not know if I am the first person to say this or not, but Colin Farrell’s performance is chameleonic. It is the first performance since Heath Ledger’s Joker that makes an actor so unrecognizable making the audience forget that they are watching a movie or an actor on screen. Colin Farrell’s performance completely captivates you, making you laugh and cry in the right moments and most importantly allowing the audience to connect and live vicariously through David’s eyes. The best part is that he plays the opposite of a dynamic character. David is dull, boring, dry, and somewhat lifeless. Colin Farrell brings a brilliant deadpan edge to this character, which gives the film its comic tension. I probably shouldn’t have even told you that Colin Farrell was in this film because when you watch it, you won’t also believe that it is him. You’ll probably think that it is some tubby loser.

You do not need to have an acquired taste to appreciate this film. I am tired of reviewers all over the web saying that about this film. All you need to know is that this film takes place in a unique universe and you will be set. Yorgos Lanthimos is notorious for creating special worlds in his movies, and The Lobster is one special universe. When you watch a film like this one, you absolutely know what you are going to get; quality filmmaking. Shot for shot, you can tell that everything is well staged, framed, and thought out. The cinematography is very crisp and clean that creates special pacing for each scene that most filmmakers cannot get away with, which plays towards this film’s brilliance on its extremely dry deadpan humor. The score for The Lobster is subtle yet so simple, adding suspense and tension for all of the characters in the film. I have been studying, watching and analyzing films my whole life and The Lobster is a textbook perfect film. There is no doubt that you will walk out of the theater not in complete awe by any aspect of the movie whether it is the dialogue, cinematography, editing, lighting, acting, direction or music.

The Lobster is a love story like no other. It satirizes modern romance. This “love” story is unique because of how you see the characters adapt and react to the rules of the films special universe. In my opinion, The Lobster is a social commentary on how people treat relationships in today’s modern world. The divorce rate is higher than ever, and dating is now just a game for our millennials. People are too quick to give up on love these days because love is a hard thing to maintain. Through the eyes of David (Farrell), we learn that love is hard to obtain in a judgemental world.  What must David do to find love? Is it better for him to be independent and live a life in solitude? Near the end of the film, David makes the audience ask the question, “What pain and willingness will I need to endure for true love and happiness”?

That is the reason why everyone should see this film.

Love needs to grow. It starts with a seed, and you need to plant that seed. Water it. Give it some sunshine and love. Patience is also required, as well. Over time, that love will grow and flourish, but you have to remember to take care of that love otherwise, it will fade away.

Superhero films, sequels, reboots, and remakes are all great for this time of the year. They are the reason why films like The Lobster can exist in today’s world of cinema. But, there is no reason to wait for independent films like The Lobster to reach Netflix or Amazon Prime. So, the next time you go to the theater, instead of seeing Captain America, go and see David possibly turn himself into a lobster because this film is the seed that will grow inside of you that will make you love watching independent films in theaters again.