---
title: "The Lobster"
year: 2015
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/the-lobster-2015"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 254320
imdb_id: "tt3464902"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 119
community_rating: 7.0
vote_count: 6950
content_rating: "R"
---

# The Lobster (2015) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/the-lobster-2015

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

The film "The Lobster" is set in a dystopian near future. The society in this world has established laws that govern the behavior of its citizens. In this society, single people are taken to a specific location, referred to as The Hotel. Upon arrival, they are presented with a challenge: find a romantic partner within a certain timeframe or face a predetermined consequence. The rules of The Hotel dictate that individuals have a limited amount of time to find a mate, or else they will be subject to a specific penalty. The consequences of failing to find a partner are severe, resulting in a transformation and a new life in a different environment, referred to as The Woods. The film explores the societal norms and expectations of this dystopian world, raising questions about the nature of relationships and individual freedom.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A dystopian hotel forces singles to find love or become animals."

### Why Watch
- Unconventional love story set in a dystopian world
- Blend of comedy, drama, and romance
- Thought‑provoking commentary on relationships

### Caveats & Content Note
- Dark premise may unsettle some viewers
- Humor is dry and off‑beat, not mainstream
- Tone & Suitability: The film’s bleak dystopian setting and unsettling transformation premise make it suited for mature audiences.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: darkly-comedic, absurdist, satirical, surreal

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | HBO Max Amazon Channel, YouTube TV, Cinemax Amazon Channel, HBO Max, Cinemax Apple TV Channel | None | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | None | None | Apple TV Store, Rakuten TV, Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | Amazon Prime Video, Crave, Starz Amazon Channel, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Crave Amazon Channel | Crave, Hoopla | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube |
| **Australia (AU)** | None | None | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Yorgos Lanthimos
- **Networks / Studios**: Scarlet Films, Haut et Court, Eurimages

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Colin Farrell** as *David*
- **Rachel Weisz** as *Short Sighted Woman*
- **Olivia Colman** as *Hotel Manager*
- **Léa Seydoux** as *Loner Leader*
- **Michael Smiley** as *Loner Swimmer*
- **Ariane Labed** as *The Maid*
- **John C. Reilly** as *Lisping Man*
- **Ben Whishaw** as *Limping Man*
- **Angeliki Papoulia** as *Heartless Woman*
- **Jessica Barden** as *Nosebleed Woman*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What is the basic premise?
In a dystopian near‑future, singles are taken to a hotel where they must find a partner within 45 days or be turned into animals.

### Q: What genre does the film belong to?
It is classified as a comedy‑drama‑romance.

### Q: How long is the movie?
The runtime is 1 hour 59 minutes.

### Q: When was the film released?
It was released in 2015, with a US release on May 13, 2016.

### Q: Is the film suitable for all audiences?
Its dark, satirical tone and unsettling premise make it more appropriate for mature viewers.

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*