People who need people are the luckiest people in the world. Those words from a popular Barbara Streisand song speak volumes on the plight of a group of men and women seeking soul mates in The Lobster. Without doubt one of the most offbeat films in decades this bizarre tale from Mongrel Media is sure to get tongues wagging at the International Village Cinemas.
Plenty of Fish and Matchmakers have nothing on the concept of hooking folks up in The Lobster. Set at a posh old style fancy hotel retreat way off in the English countryside far away from the maddening crowd a group of less than perfect people are gathered in an elaborate dating / mating game ritual.
Given the odd nature of the circumstance the group have just 45 days to hook up – or face a most bizarre future. Able to set the stage with her enchanting verbal delivery is Rachel Weisz. On screen Ms. Weisz comes alive as part of a rural underground trying to stay alive from the unwanted attentions of the guests and the administration’s demented rituals.
Love takes on many forms and The Lobster is full of surprises. Besides the not too subtle sexual tormenting and teasing complete with far reaching consequences we see a series of interesting characters and relationships develop. Almost unrecognizable in yet another strong personation is chameleon -like Ben Whishaw ( Skyfall) whose range continues to expand and impress along with Irish hunk Colin Farrell ( Phone Booth) whose restrained performance resonates forcefully. Add on John C. Reilly as an American with a lisp and you hit the triactor for compelling acting.
Smart, stylish and wildly wicked The Lobster takes on a number of social issues and milieus bound to get a rise out of most onlookers.
