A24 | Release Date: May 13, 2016
7.1
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 526 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
382
Mixed:
81
Negative:
63
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VagueShapeJan 8, 2019
Easily one of the worst movies I've ever seen. The whole thing is a pretentious dung heap for pseudo-intellectuals. If anything could be said in its favor it is that the initial plot is interesting as a concept. However it quickly exhaustsEasily one of the worst movies I've ever seen. The whole thing is a pretentious dung heap for pseudo-intellectuals. If anything could be said in its favor it is that the initial plot is interesting as a concept. However it quickly exhausts itself as an intellectual property by focusing on petty vulgarity and injecting a violence angle. Lost in a sea of its own decadence it then sloppily ends with a completely unlikely turn of events as established by the rest of the film that was allegedly "intelligent." It doesn't leave you with a feeling of something profound, it leaves you wondering how a film that pretended to be intelligent for so long could actually be as stupid as it really is by the end. Don't waste your time on it. Expand
4 of 4 users found this helpful40
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3
ILoveBF1Jul 6, 2019
Its story is a horrible mess and this is damaged further by the terrible pacing. Characters just come and go and you won't feel anything. Story has a good ring to it but the execution is so bad that it was wasted. It was rushed.
3 of 3 users found this helpful30
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0
Elegance108RukiOct 23, 2019
A disgusting, violent, and despicable movie. A waste of acting talent. Don’t waste your time.
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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0
BroyaxJul 23, 2019
Original, surréaliste... ? ou plus simplement super nul à chier ? une sous-sous-sous... merde du dernier sous-sol qui tente d'attirer l'attention et elle y réussit à ce qu'il semble. En tant que comédie, c'est raté et pas drôle... y comprisOriginal, surréaliste... ? ou plus simplement super nul à chier ? une sous-sous-sous... merde du dernier sous-sol qui tente d'attirer l'attention et elle y réussit à ce qu'il semble. En tant que comédie, c'est raté et pas drôle... y compris comme satire grinçante, car tout tombe à l'eau là-dedans et son absurdité pontifiante avec.

Comme drame, psycho, psycondrame peut-être, du genre nouvelle vague de mes deux qui se croit très intelligent sans doute mais s'enlise dans son infinie prétention. C'est sans queue ni tête en tout cas et à dormir debout du début à la fin. Un abominable étron.
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1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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0
rauramrodAug 23, 2016
All I want to say about this movie is: what a piece of crap! I was left with the feeling that it was going to get better next scene, but it didn't. It's just flat.
8 of 9 users found this helpful81
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0
shermyJun 22, 2016
Just saw it This movie may have a humorous premise but in my view the movies is about cruelty Who will remember a funny line from a movie filled with misery and gratuitous savagery. All the Comedy Central standups couldn't jovialize aJust saw it This movie may have a humorous premise but in my view the movies is about cruelty Who will remember a funny line from a movie filled with misery and gratuitous savagery. All the Comedy Central standups couldn't jovialize a scene where a nice pet dog's body is found lying a in pool of blood and guts. But, in all fairness, the nearly robotic (think dog on dog) sex scenes may be remembered simply because they are sex scenes,

The cruelty is not novel to the plot. Cold, viscous, amoral characters are a dime a dozen in the movies. Come to think of it, a live lobster being boiled to death is a decent metaphor for this movie.
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9 of 11 users found this helpful92
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0
MarioGreeceJul 3, 2016
Terribly AWFUL!
Its possibly the all time worst 'serious' / 'quality' film I have ever seen in my life!
Has really pessimistic miserable atmosphere that only makes you feel utterly depressed. So messed up plot. I really can't understand
Terribly AWFUL!
Its possibly the all time worst 'serious' / 'quality' film I have ever seen in my life!
Has really pessimistic miserable atmosphere that only makes you feel utterly depressed.
So messed up plot. I really can't understand WHY this terrible movie has so high grade
& such exceptional reviews from the critics!!
Even all these great actors could not save it!
I was only dragged to rent the dvd of this film only because of the great reviews it got from the critics!
Of course afterwards I regretted big time renting this **** movie!!
This talent-LESS director makes pretty bad hella overrated films!
(Including his other trashy movie ''Dogtooth'' as well that was even nominated
for an oscar award for best language film!! I rest my case on that!)
I just don't get at all why he receives all this NON worthy high praise for his horrendous ''films''!
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9 of 11 users found this helpful92
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0
ChigalabagalaMay 27, 2016
I stayed until the end of the film and agree with Urbanmagic: dreadful. Also disturbing. I don't mind being disturbed if there is a worthwhile point made and one can get invested in the characters (eg. Frank). But not here where theI stayed until the end of the film and agree with Urbanmagic: dreadful. Also disturbing. I don't mind being disturbed if there is a worthwhile point made and one can get invested in the characters (eg. Frank). But not here where the dialogue and characters are stylized and wooden. If the intent was to say that people are sheep and look for superficial similarities to establish a relationship, that was accomplished in the first 25 minutes. There is no need to see this film. She Her instead, if you haven't. It has much more to say about people and relationships. Expand
12 of 15 users found this helpful123
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0
stevenkJul 16, 2016
The Lobster. I am writing this review as a public service, for all those that do not need or want to spend their 10 dollars and 2 hours of their time being totally depressed by a meaningless piece of trash.
There are spoilers in this
The Lobster. I am writing this review as a public service, for all those that do not need or want to spend their 10 dollars and 2 hours of their time being totally depressed by a meaningless piece of trash.
There are spoilers in this review, so be aware. The idea that a pair of people, who, due to a dystopian world and a sadistic, "leader" end up having to become blind to find "true love" is just utterly ridiculous. This dystopia, where being single is illegal, going into relationship "rehab" places you in a joyless relationship, with your only other two options being made into a mutant animal, (ala the islnd of Dr Moreau), or living in the woods with a manipulative, sickening, cowardly, murderous woman, who could not evenn do battle with a woman she blinded, is just beyond depressing. Its sadistic and indescribable, at least to me. It was long, boring, depressing, with no redemptive features, whatsoever. If, perhaps, the couple had things to atone for, in their previous relationships, then, at least, their would be a story here.
I felt that there was probably an alternate ending, or endings filmed, in which you would see Farrell's character, walking away from Weisz's character, in the restaurant background, might have been interesting, but even more depressing. I will say , that the filmmaker did a great job of even making a beautiful area of either scotland or Ireland look depressing, was ann accomplishment(LOL).
Just pitiful, pitiful, pitiful.
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8 of 10 users found this helpful82
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0
3grandkids3Dec 13, 2016
I have never been so hoodwinked by critics before, and hope to never see dreck like this again. Anybody who says there is a single laugh, smile, or even twitch of emotional response from an intelligent viewer is lying.
4 of 5 users found this helpful41
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1
fungusgnatJun 17, 2016
Film opens with a close-up of a woman driving . . . and driving . . . and driving some more. After a long minute or so, she pulls over, walks to a nearby paddock where donkeys are grazing, pulls out a pistol and shoots one of them twice,Film opens with a close-up of a woman driving . . . and driving . . . and driving some more. After a long minute or so, she pulls over, walks to a nearby paddock where donkeys are grazing, pulls out a pistol and shoots one of them twice, then leaves. Like much else in this film, this may or may not be funny, depending on your perspective. But that is as good as it gets. The story involves a newly single man who is enrolled in a . . . let’s call it a matchmaking program, at a secluded hotel with other singles; those who fail to find a match are transformed into an animal of their choosing (our hero picks a lobster, thus the title). There is a lot of set-up, some adventure, occasional cruelty, a little romance, and a few laughs – although there is a black-comic undercurrent to the whole thing, as if Lanthimos was trying for a Jim Jarmusch mood. Recommended only for the serious cineaste or the aficionado of the offbeat. Major trigger warning for animal lovers (and the donkey isn’t the worst of it). Me, I checked my watch, something I rarely do in the theater. There were 20 minutes left. Expand
11 of 14 users found this helpful113
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0
gfnyJun 14, 2016
Rarely is there a film so devoid of any meaningful content that it rates a zero. This film is one of them. There is nothing but nonsense. Some of the newspaper critics may think it's trendy to give it a 100, but I don't understand howRarely is there a film so devoid of any meaningful content that it rates a zero. This film is one of them. There is nothing but nonsense. Some of the newspaper critics may think it's trendy to give it a 100, but I don't understand how anyone can see this film and see anything entertaining. Save your popcorn for another film. Expand
6 of 8 users found this helpful62
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0
CzarKingKaiserAug 29, 2016
Man, this movie is AWFUL. Both my wife and I, without telling each other, checked the running time of this movie in the middle of it. I was *this* close to walking out. People laughed when the movie was over. The theater's disappointment wasMan, this movie is AWFUL. Both my wife and I, without telling each other, checked the running time of this movie in the middle of it. I was *this* close to walking out. People laughed when the movie was over. The theater's disappointment was palpable.

We went to see it based on the reviews here, and afterwards, I felt compelled to come back here and take another look at them. I was thinking that maybe I'd missed something? Nope, nothing about this movie makes sense. The whole movie seemed so pointless. There's no denying that it's "artsy" and "risky", but the risks don't pay off. Avoid this movie unless you're trying to punish yourself.
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6 of 8 users found this helpful62
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0
jakem1000Dec 18, 2016
This is one of those awful movies that is beloved by critics for its trendiness, stylishness, and shock value, despite its relative meaningless and worthlessness as a story. At its center is the notion that modern society's pressure to pairThis is one of those awful movies that is beloved by critics for its trendiness, stylishness, and shock value, despite its relative meaningless and worthlessness as a story. At its center is the notion that modern society's pressure to pair off and mate is SO STRONG that it is basically equivalent to a hotel where you are forced to pair off or be turned into an animal. Also you're forced to hunt lonely people with tranquilizer guns, because why not! The entire premise strikes me as melodramatic and self-sorry (think film school loner that can't get a girlfriend), and relies on cheap shocks that arrive with predictable regularity. It basically has the plot of a bad anime mixed with the effete and somber filmography of Beyonce's Lemonade. So at the very least, it's pretty. But after 20 minutes of this schlock you realize that it's all form, no substance. Expand
6 of 8 users found this helpful62
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3
RalfbergsDec 25, 2016
I just knew that the official critics instead the casual folk will give great scores for this - just because it's an art piece or whatever, while if you are an average movie watcher, then the movie is a bit too weird. Of course, that's theI just knew that the official critics instead the casual folk will give great scores for this - just because it's an art piece or whatever, while if you are an average movie watcher, then the movie is a bit too weird. Of course, that's the way mindf**k movies work and this is definitely something like it. It wasn't that bad at the beginning ,the idea of the movie is original - and somewhat reflects the actual society and everyone pushing us to find our significant other etc. Here they take it over the top a bit and show what would happen. But there were so many dumb things, especially towards the end, which did not make much sense. I mean if you like those artsy type movies you will enjoy this one, but I don't so I actually even wonder how I made it and watched the whole movie here. Expand
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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0
AlronnorOct 25, 2016
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A movie with an interesting idea for a plot. What if people were forced to choose between a life of being cold and alone or a life of being joined to another person and altered beyond recognition? After 2+ hours, you'll be saying in response, who cares? A stupid movie with heavy handed allegories that drive the plot, plot that drives the characters, and characters that drive the inevitable migrations you'll get from watching this crap. I caught on to almost all of the allegory in this film from one viewing. As for the aforementioned characters? They might as well not exist. They all do feats of such incongruous nonsense just to keep that allegory hammer aloft for the entirety of the film that its a miracle they even stay in the film at all. Why did the "leader", yes that is a character's name, get their sidekick killed on purpose? Who knows. And, again, who cares? Expand
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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1
bradovskyFeb 19, 2019
I am all for being challenged and taken to new places by independent cinema but this is just pretentious twaddle with no substance.
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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0
CGTaylorJun 12, 2016
I went out to see this movie with my roommate and her boyfriend. Their friends had highly suggested the movie, so we made an outing of it. I’m not especially fond of R rated movies, and the plot seemed thin, but perhaps humorous, and II went out to see this movie with my roommate and her boyfriend. Their friends had highly suggested the movie, so we made an outing of it. I’m not especially fond of R rated movies, and the plot seemed thin, but perhaps humorous, and I convinced myself to have an open mind, and try something new.
We all regretted watching this movie and afterwards agreed: if we had been watching this at home we would have stopped after twenty minutes. I knew very little about this movie coming in, but if it was meant to be science-fiction, I saw no science; if romantic, these themes were lost in its bizarre mood similar to how pungent, rancid flavors destroy delicate ones – and if comedic, then only to those who can purge themselves of compassion and empathy.
This movie is at best a bitter, twisted satire. I pity the people who saw marriage in such a dystopian light that they could conceive such a story. While I agree that there are many things amiss with today’s standards for marriage and relationships, this movie went too far. For example, in this movie:
• Even in their desperation, people relied on insignificant, superficial similarities to find ‘mates’:
A limp, frequent nosebleeds, perfect hair, emotions or lack thereof, shortsightedness, and finally blindness – criteria that lead to the pursuit of hollow, shallow, and altogether meaningless relationships, save one near the end; but even that one was plagued by this practice.
• Single people where adamantly reminded of their ‘misery’ and given lessons in the ‘importance,’ or rather, the ‘benefits’ of being in a relationship while at the hotel, which also made it its business to encourage and engage its occupant in sexual habits that they deemed beneficial and prohibit and punish those they considered damaging to ‘relationships’.
• Brutality, however, is apparently under standard trade laws and thus monopolies are prohibited. The Loners, the alternative to society, make many allowances that the hotel and society at large prohibit whilst they live in exile. In stark contrast to the rest of the society, Loners are expected to be alone permanently: you can talk, you can come, you can go, but any sign of sexuality, of attachment, even something as fleeting as flirting, will be severely and mercilessly punished, and their leader is the typical sadistic, manipulating, power hungry psychopath that these types of movies seem to breed.
Are we superficial? Yes, we are. Do we feel pressure to be in a relationship? To have a ‘significant other’? All the time. Is the world cruel? It goes without saying. Are we all flawed? Of course we are. Do we really need a movie to tell us this in some bizarre, twisted fashion? The fact that these types of movies are on the rise is itself a satire against society. But does exacerbating the issue like this do anything? Would a doctor ever suggest rubbing filth and excrement into a wound as part of a treatment? – it would only make matters worse, and satires like this have the same effect.
If you want to help society, if you want to see it healed, you have to teach people what it means to be good, not chastise and mock them for what they didn’t know was wrong. And to do that you need to show them what it means to be good, to be wholly loved. As Antione de Saint-Exupery said, if you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people to collect wood and assign them tasks and work; teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea. Likewise, we need to teach people to long for a love that is kind, a love that is patient, loyal, humble, noble, and most of all forgiving. A love that protects, hopes, and always perseveres, not one that pretends, harms and falters.
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8 of 11 users found this helpful83
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0
Keeper13Jul 10, 2016
Sometimes funny, mostly not. Sometimes brutal, mostly boring above all else. Another "artsy" film where critics pretend they like it because it's an alternative film and everyone wants to "get it.". There isn't anything deep about this film -Sometimes funny, mostly not. Sometimes brutal, mostly boring above all else. Another "artsy" film where critics pretend they like it because it's an alternative film and everyone wants to "get it.". There isn't anything deep about this film - it's silly and shallow and random, and way too long. Expand
8 of 11 users found this helpful83
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0
MiklJun 23, 2016
One of the worst movies I've seen in this century. They took a great premise and drove it into the ground with crappy acting (although the script ensured that) and an intrusively bad score. One reviewer commented that this is a Best PictureOne of the worst movies I've seen in this century. They took a great premise and drove it into the ground with crappy acting (although the script ensured that) and an intrusively bad score. One reviewer commented that this is a Best Picture contender, but I'm not sure on which planet those awards will be given out. Expand
7 of 10 users found this helpful73
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idelloJun 8, 2016
This movie is only for those who like absurd, sadistically disturbing humor. It kind of reminded me of a skit written by troubled 8th graders. Okay, maybe this movie makes some valid points about absurd societal norms, but I did not find itThis movie is only for those who like absurd, sadistically disturbing humor. It kind of reminded me of a skit written by troubled 8th graders. Okay, maybe this movie makes some valid points about absurd societal norms, but I did not find it to be particularly entertaining or clever. I find it disturbing that for some people "disturbing" is all it takes to impress. Expand
11 of 16 users found this helpful115
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1
clarifiedJun 7, 2016
Spare yourself - In my opinion this film is a complete waste of time and money. Crude, strange, dystopian fantasy. Some scenes were so repellent that I had to avert my gaze.
8 of 12 users found this helpful84
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1
GreatMartinJun 3, 2016
At least 2-3 times a year I get suckered into seeing a movie from seeing a trailer or hearing that it got 5 star reviews, it has an Oscar nominated director, a solid cast lead by an A list actor, sounds and/or looks different or for manyAt least 2-3 times a year I get suckered into seeing a movie from seeing a trailer or hearing that it got 5 star reviews, it has an Oscar nominated director, a solid cast lead by an A list actor, sounds and/or looks different or for many various reasons. For some, if not all the reasons listed, I went, with Allen and Philippe to see "The Lobster".

Walking out of the movie the best part was overhearing the audience making comments and reading the cremarks they left on The Gateway Theatre audience comment board. Oh yes, and listening to what Philippe and Allen had to say. One of them hit it on the head when they said "It was weird!" Allen was trying to make it more or less a time of the world in the very far future but that didn't fit in with cars and trucks of today among other things.

The premise is that being coupled is better and safer than being single. A person who is single for any various reasons has 45 days to find a partner or be turned into an animal of their choice. After that you are on your own folks!

Should you be intolerant of animal cruelity stay away from this movie though human beings aren't spared either and most in the audience kept their eyes closed in the last scene.

(I'm blaming Allen for putting us through this 1 hour and 58 minutes movie as all he had to say was that we should see something else!)
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6 of 9 users found this helpful63
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0
FrogmanSmithJun 12, 2016
Until now "Sid and Nancy" was the worst, most depressing movie I had ever seen. Not anymore! This movie is horrible. Based on the reviews I toughed it out the first hour. Then I had to see how it ended. It ended with me wanting my $15 and 2Until now "Sid and Nancy" was the worst, most depressing movie I had ever seen. Not anymore! This movie is horrible. Based on the reviews I toughed it out the first hour. Then I had to see how it ended. It ended with me wanting my $15 and 2 hours of my life back. Expand
9 of 14 users found this helpful95
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1
pdw123Jun 4, 2016
Wow! What a big big big big disappointment this was at my Utah film society today, after literally waiting weeks for it to come out, and looking at the rave critic scores. After reading the synopsis and watching part of the trailer, IWow! What a big big big big disappointment this was at my Utah film society today, after literally waiting weeks for it to come out, and looking at the rave critic scores. After reading the synopsis and watching part of the trailer, I thought it would be a relevant commentary on the newly repressed category of SINGLE folks in America, along with other minority and oppressed demographic groups that are having trouble at the voting polls these days, but discriminated against in other areas of life as well (thus the new portion of the identifier QIA or QUILTBAG, to the LGBT we've known for years now).

And for the original and classical piano soundtrack and about only 2 belly laughs that were antithetical to the total and miserable dreariness and snail's pace for the rest of the time, I'll give it only one point.

And, I'll say here pointedly to the producers and actors involved: WOW! What an incredibly missed opportunity here, with some new and incredible subject matter in today's world to build upon. But what happened instead was a devolving and true mess, trying to make several points about all sectors of society, and missing the main point about single vs. married stereotypes and thus some really great humor and irony, entirely. IN THE FUTURE, QUIT TRYING TO MARKET TO SO MANY GROUPS AT ONCE, AND FOCUSING ON EVERYTHING, and THUS LOSING THE FOCUS !!! JEEEZZZ!! This was an extraordinary mess, plus waste of money, plus waste of time traveling hours on the bus to see it. And if you want me to see future independent films in theaters anymore, you'll finally quit it with this careless schlock and make real films again along with the money which will follow great art, which this wasn't by any stretch whatsoever. LATER!!
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7 of 11 users found this helpful74
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0
SSH83Oct 29, 2016
Imagine a blind teenage boy, exceptionally blood thirsty and ignorant. Pump him full of drug... then give him pen and paper and ask him write a cinematic masterpiece. This is what would come out of it. The Lobster's attempts at literatureImagine a blind teenage boy, exceptionally blood thirsty and ignorant. Pump him full of drug... then give him pen and paper and ask him write a cinematic masterpiece. This is what would come out of it. The Lobster's attempts at literature is as immature as they are moronic. The only way to like this movie is if you smoke a pound of weed before, during and after it. Expand
3 of 5 users found this helpful32
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0
gcdanaJun 3, 2016
Total Zero...this quirky film only got worse as it went along. I wish I were drunk or on drugs...so that maybe I could relate to it better. I'm glad I had sex with my girlfriend prior to the movie, because she was so pissed after that weTotal Zero...this quirky film only got worse as it went along. I wish I were drunk or on drugs...so that maybe I could relate to it better. I'm glad I had sex with my girlfriend prior to the movie, because she was so pissed after that we didn't walk out. We unfortunately stayed to the end. So bad, you'll want to poke your damn eyes out too. Expand
5 of 9 users found this helpful54
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1
granetoAug 15, 2016
The film is smug and deliberately off putting. The sadomasochistic violence is all in fun, but it is very difficult to tell that this is satire. A very unpleasant experience.
5 of 9 users found this helpful54
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0
urbanmagicMay 15, 2016
This film is dreadful! Ponderous and pretentious beyond measure. The exodus from the screening I attended began at around 30 minutes in. If we'd been wise, we'd have left then. As it is, we stayed another torturous 30 minutes until it wasThis film is dreadful! Ponderous and pretentious beyond measure. The exodus from the screening I attended began at around 30 minutes in. If we'd been wise, we'd have left then. As it is, we stayed another torturous 30 minutes until it was utterly clear just how insufferable this poor excuse for a movie was. I can only assume that the critics all got together and smoked a huge quantity of crack before they saw this thing and wrote a good review of it. Nothing else can explain their confusing film student shocks as profundity. This rates as one of the worst films I have ever seen. I urge you to not even enter a theatre where it's playing. Expand
8 of 15 users found this helpful87
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1
drone41Feb 9, 2018
Another hippie movie from Yorgos Lanthimos. Don't understand point, and i want to never understand it. Grotesque.
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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SweaterGuyOct 24, 2016
The worst movie of all time? Do not waste you time. Looking for a good ending? No way, it just gets worse and worse and worse and worse.Torture, without question.. It's like putting your hand in a toaster. You'll stop watching as I did, theThe worst movie of all time? Do not waste you time. Looking for a good ending? No way, it just gets worse and worse and worse and worse.Torture, without question.. It's like putting your hand in a toaster. You'll stop watching as I did, the annoying music, the pointless characters and plot, the depressing weather - this film is one big pile of you know what. Do yourself a favor and watch anything else. This movie is horrible. The only satisfying thing about it - is turing it off. Like I just did. 90 minutes plus of my life, gone forever. The joke is on anyone who wastes there time. Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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1
DavidnbJun 5, 2016
I am perfectly willing to be challenges, even disturbed by a movie, but this disgusting, sadistic piece of garbage goes beyond the pall. For a dystopian vision of the future to work, the audience needs to be able to say, yes, that couldI am perfectly willing to be challenges, even disturbed by a movie, but this disgusting, sadistic piece of garbage goes beyond the pall. For a dystopian vision of the future to work, the audience needs to be able to say, yes, that could happen. I am not referring to the humans the metamorphoses, that is a matter of willing suspension of disbelief, and that's fine, I just don't see any basis to believe this vision of the future could ever happen. I cannot tell you how much I hated this movie. Expand
6 of 16 users found this helpful610
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0
tennisman342May 29, 2016
This movie is absolutely horrible and very disturbing!!! I like quirky independent films, but there is no story here worth telling. It seems to try to come across as a dark drama/comedy set in the future where single people are looked downThis movie is absolutely horrible and very disturbing!!! I like quirky independent films, but there is no story here worth telling. It seems to try to come across as a dark drama/comedy set in the future where single people are looked down upon and must be coupled within 45 days, or be transformed into an animal of their choice. At first you think the movie is trying to point out the ridiculousness of this scenario, and society has gone so far astray to even allow this, with some sympathy directed to how single people may feel from time to time. The problem with this movie is that the humor is so dark and disturbing that it ceases to be funny. Once the movie is not funny, where it is supposed to be, you then try to figure out what it is going for. The story is not that interesting as a drama, the acting is very cardboard, and none of the characters you care about. As the movie progresses, you start itching more for a payoff to the sickening feeling you get from watching the dynamic among each of the characters unfold. After about an hour into the movie, it seems like these go on auto repeat in that the story to be told has been told, and now it is just going through variations of the same thing. I sat through it till around the end. I think it had maybe 10 to 15 minutes more to go, and I just could not take it anymore and me and my wife left. I did not care to see how it ended up. Typically, when I walk out of movies (and do this from time to time), I leave within the first hour. With this move, I kept thinking the end was near, as the running time is reported to be only 119 minutes, but when as things got worse the longer this move went on, I bailed out when it seemed it should have been over a long time ago (or I guess I wanted it to be over a long time ago). Again, one of the worst movies I have ever seen with no re-deeming value. Please save your money and avoid this one. Expand
6 of 16 users found this helpful610
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1
NoahCowardDec 10, 2016
I am giving "The Lobster" a 1 just to be charitable and because it's a pretty good cast. Otherwise, do yourself an enormous favor and skip this movie which critics love. If you watch movies to be entertained, probably not for you. If youI am giving "The Lobster" a 1 just to be charitable and because it's a pretty good cast. Otherwise, do yourself an enormous favor and skip this movie which critics love. If you watch movies to be entertained, probably not for you. If you watch movies to make time slow down, "The Lobster" will do very nicely.

Not necessarily worse than "45 years" but in that conversation.
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2 of 6 users found this helpful24
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3
NerdConsultantMay 13, 2016
The first english speaking film from Greek Director Yorgos Lanthimos and based on the reception i heard from my friends in Greece i was hyped for it, sadly it's not good, whilst this film did have some decent performances in it, it doesn’tThe first english speaking film from Greek Director Yorgos Lanthimos and based on the reception i heard from my friends in Greece i was hyped for it, sadly it's not good, whilst this film did have some decent performances in it, it doesn’t change the fact that this is one of the most pretentious pieces of twaddle that had everyone laughing in the cinema despite the fact that it was meant to be taken 100 percent seriously, the premise is the actors couple off or face being turned into animals, yes, seriously we have to take this 100% seriously , and they have to speak some horrifically awful dialogue. it's a movie that's thinks it's saying more than it really is. I just wanted out of the cinema! Expand
5 of 18 users found this helpful513
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roadlawyerJun 6, 2016
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. What a pretentious vile piece of animal torture porn. The lowlight is when a sociopath kicks an innocent dog to death. The director has already established the killer as a psycho. The camera focuses on her bloody shoe. Then the camera cuts to a shot of the dog lying in a pool of its own blood. What a disgusting, pointless exercise in nausea. The shot was utterly gratuitous, inhumane and redundant. I walked out and got a refund. Save your money and make a donation to PETA instead. I will never watch another movie from this perverted lowlife of a director. Expand
3 of 11 users found this helpful38
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3
Truth_TellerMay 27, 2016
Don't waste your time! This movie is very bizarre, it feels a lot like a Wes Anderson. For some reason critics always love these very long and boring movies. Maybe they are giving points for "originality" however even though the plot isDon't waste your time! This movie is very bizarre, it feels a lot like a Wes Anderson. For some reason critics always love these very long and boring movies. Maybe they are giving points for "originality" however even though the plot is certainly unique, it is fantasy that is made to be taken seriously. The tone doesn't make sense, the movie doesn't make sense. I came away thinking someone on drugs had made it.

All in all, I gave it a 3/10 for uniqueness, acting, and because I chuckled during one scene.
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4 of 18 users found this helpful414
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MarioGRSep 30, 2016
From the all time WORST ever movies I have seen in my whole life!
Really pity because some great famous actors are playing in this horrendous film though..
I really regret the time i wasted watching this torturous & deadly depressing excuse
From the all time WORST ever movies I have seen in my whole life!
Really pity because some great famous actors are playing in this horrendous film though..
I really regret the time i wasted watching this torturous & deadly depressing excuse of a film!
I was only fooled by the exceptional reviews it got from the critics shamefully!
Like the same happened with all the rest people that were also tricked to watch it as me!
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2 of 20 users found this helpful218
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ShiningLionMay 18, 2020
Should've seen it coming when the A24 logo flashed at the beginning. Everything they produce is overlong, slow, pretentious, boring, and dumb, the type of movies where they just point a camera at people doing nothing or the mostShould've seen it coming when the A24 logo flashed at the beginning. Everything they produce is overlong, slow, pretentious, boring, and dumb, the type of movies where they just point a camera at people doing nothing or the most absurd/exploitative thing they can think of and then the demented types who enjoy these kinds of films tell you you're a braindead idiot if you didn't "get it" and derive great meaning from the 2 hours of brutality, **** and nothingness. Every time I've seen one of their films I feel like I'm just looking into the creators' mental illnesses, and not in an enlightening way. I can safely say I'll never watch another A24 film after three bombs in a row with this, The Witch, and Hereditary. Films like these are indicative of the problem with our lost, bored, consumer culture of people leading directionless lives where they feel no self-empowerment to create meaning in their lives. These aren't art. They're film-school dropout trash that appeals to the most lost minds. The moral always seems to be self-defeating, encouraging viewers to become depraved to escape the challenges of life. Utter **** There's no skill involved in creating these movies aside from an occasional well-framed shot. The acting is deadpan to the extent non-actors could pull it off, and the use of classical music tricks naive people into thinking they're watching something artistic and distinguished. The fact that they got a child involved in this demented production shows you the morals of the actors. I hope they didn't let her watch it, though its still an injustice that she probably someday will, and will resent a lot of people for creating the childhood illusion of excitement to be in a movie, when it's such a **** movie. Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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2
KenROct 12, 2022
The Lobster – Or Is It a Lame Duck? Perhaps the main things to know about this movie are; it’s co-written, produced, and directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and liked by people who seem to think they must be good judges because they like movies thatThe Lobster – Or Is It a Lame Duck? Perhaps the main things to know about this movie are; it’s co-written, produced, and directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and liked by people who seem to think they must be good judges because they like movies that most don’t. As with “The Killing Of A Sacred Deer” this is yet another of those murky, semi-serious works that tries so hard to be ‘different’ that it stumbles over itself, falling flat on its own pretensions. Lanthimos tends to be trapped in his desire to be the new Kubrick, with his constant obsession for human emotional detachment – also for scenes that run longer than necessary to establish their purpose. It’s a minor point, but it tended to appear that because of obvious budget restraints, this ‘futuristic dystopian’ comment on human relationships takes place in locations that are either obviously present-day or perhaps too old to convey their intended era.

Dialogue and many ideas are so outlandish the interesting cast - often seem to give the impression of wondering what they are supposed to do next. So much in-depth comment might have been achieved within this ‘satire’ on failed human relationships, but Lanthimos and his writers tend to be happy with simply using dumbed-down, crude sensationalistic dialog and situations, to replace the lack of human expression. Attempts at satirical comedy are mainly achieved through heavy-handed, sadistic, or ugly cruelty --to both humans and animals-- cheapening the final outcomes. The whole thing then ambles on for so long, that any vague interest suffocates under its own self-idolizing over-indulgence. Strictly for the festival crowds or those that might feel superior liking subjects that disinterest (or repel) others.
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0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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3
HopedealerFeb 2, 2023
How does a movie go from extremely promising and interesting to a complete flop by the end? I’m not exactly sure, but the lobster manages to do just that in spectacular fashion. It’s almost as if the director wanted you to not like thisHow does a movie go from extremely promising and interesting to a complete flop by the end? I’m not exactly sure, but the lobster manages to do just that in spectacular fashion. It’s almost as if the director wanted you to not like this movie. And some avant- grade pseudo intellectuals will jump at the opportunity to waste their time in the most pretentious way. There are some entertaining and humorous bits, but this movie never seems to understand when to pull back or accept that this should have just been a dystopian dark comedy, and not some lame attempt to preach the directors cynical beta male view of the world onto the audience. The basic motive and plot is so philosophically flawed that it seems like a 3rd grader wrote it, yet no one ever seems to catch how funny that is. Not the director or the cast, because later it devolves into awful sermonizing that is self defeating and horribly non entertaining. I kept hoping that maybe their would be some redeeming characteristic of ending to the movie, but alas it crashed and burned entirely as the movie progressed. Not to mention the major plot holes like “how come they can mess up change someone’s defining characteristic? Or why don’t they both just have an interest in something other than themselves? Like the real world.” Eventually the failed attempt at meaningful subtext is underwhelming and frustrating to the point of no return. If I see this director make another movie or this studio I’m almost bound to steer clear after that train wreck and waste of a talented acting cast and an original intriguing dystopian idea. This flopped hard halfway through. Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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Deryn95May 6, 2023
Akin to watching Catherine Zeta Jones cut her toe nails and try to perfect them repeatedly all the while not cutting them at all
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