Mr. Movie: ‘The Lobster’ definitely one of best films of the year

Set in a dystopian future, to reside in The City you have to have a mate. Singles are sent to a swank resort to find one. If you fail to connect with someone within 45 days, you are turned into an animal. You pick the animal before checking into the resort.

Colin Farrell is David. He is a fish — or in this case, a lobster — out of water and uncomfortable in the setting. Find a mate or basically die is too much pressure.

Terrorists hating The City’s system call themselves Loners. Guests regularly hunt Loners with tranquilizer guns, and anyone bagging one gets one extra day to find that elusive mate.

Writer/director Yorgos Lanthimos’ film spends an equal amount of time in both camps and a little time in the city. There is desperation everywhere. Emotions are stifled. Fear reigns. Sex isn’t allowed at the resort, and the Loners — who hate the system — ban sexual contact as well.

The characters are devoid of life. Expression is encouraged, but when attempted, it is universally discouraged. The same happens with individuality. To catch a mate, you must be different, but being different doesn’t necessarily get you one. And on it goes, growing deeper and more complex by the minute, but always maintaining a very simple premise.

The Lobster is flat out funny in places. It’s also freaky in others. And there are parts that are frightening. It’s an amazing piece of work and deep on so many levels. At the same time, it’s childishly simple.

This story was originally published June 9, 2016 at 1:06 PM with the headline "Mr. Movie: ‘The Lobster’ definitely one of best films of the year."