“The Lobster” is a darkly comedic dystopian film by Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos, known for his offbeat, cerebral style. Released in 2015, the film envisions a world where being single is not only frowned upon—it’s illegal. In this strange society, people who fail to find a romantic partner within 45 days are transformed into animals of their choosing. It’s a razor-sharp allegory about relationships, societal pressure, and the absurdity of conformity.

📖 Plot Summary

David (Colin Farrell), a recently single man, is sent to a countryside hotel where singles are given 45 days to find a suitable romantic partner. If they fail, they are turned into an animal. David chooses to become a lobster if he doesn’t succeed—because lobsters live over 100 years and remain fertile for life.

While at the hotel, David endures awkward rituals, fake relationships, and increasingly desperate attempts to couple up. Guests earn extra days by hunting down loners—rebels who reject the system and live in the woods.

Eventually, David escapes to the forest, where he meets the Short-Sighted Woman (Rachel Weisz). However, the loner society is no freer than the hotel—they enforce complete emotional detachment. A forbidden love blossoms, putting both their lives at risk and culminating in a provocative, ambiguous ending.