Lobsters (film), more commonly known as The Lobster, is a 2015 dystopian black comedy film directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. The film is a co-production of Ireland, the United Kingdom, Greece, France, and the Netherlands.
The story is set in a near-future society where single people are arrested and transferred to a hotel. At the hotel, they are given 45 days to find a romantic partner. If they fail, they are transformed into an animal of their choosing. The film follows David (played by Colin Farrell), who, after being dumped by his wife, arrives at the hotel and attempts to find a mate to avoid being turned into a lobster. He eventually escapes and joins a group of loners ("the Loners") living in the woods who forbid any romantic relationships.
The Lobster explores themes of societal pressure to conform to romantic relationships, the absurdity of dating rituals, and the nature of love and freedom. The film features a distinctive, deadpan style and dark humor. It won the Jury Prize at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for Best Original Screenplay at the 89th Academy Awards. The cast also includes Rachel Weisz, Léa Seydoux, John C. Reilly, and Olivia Colman.