https://www.youtube.com/embed/bemcHBqng4o

If The Lobster lives up to the expectations it set at Cannes this could be one of the best movies of the year, especially for people frustrated by the lack of original stories coming out of Hollywood. It stars Colin Farrell as a man recently made single when his wife left for another man. In any normal world this would be merely heartbreaking, but for Farrell's David it means something much weirder: He must find a new partner within 45 days or suffer the consequences of either being turned into an animal of his choosing or living celibate in the woods as a loner at risk of being hunted. As we learn in the trailer, David's dog is actually his brother and if he has to be an animal he would prefer to be a lobster. But if things work out between him and Rachel Weisz's character he could avoid the whole mess altogether!

But seriously, though, how charming is this trailer? It’s like Spike Jonze decided to remake The Road To Wellville, but turned it into something mercifully less sick and scary. And if you remember the trailer for last year's quirky relationship dramedy Force Majeure out of Sweden, this feels very similar in tone with its absurd premise being animated by forcibly playful classical music and quick camera cuts that almost make the environment a character in the movie. Alongside Farrell and Weisz the supporting cast is also full of thrills like Léa Seydoux, Ben Whishaw, Olivia Colman, and John C. Reilly, and Grecian writer/director Yorgos Lanthimos' experience making really weird good movies like Alps and Dogtooth suggests that he's right in his wheelhouse with something as absurd as The Lobster.

Pause at: 0:01 for David and his brother. See David with Lisping Man and the Limping Man at 0:46.

Essential Quote: "As you understand from your brother's experience, if you fail to fall in love during your stay here you'll turn into an animal."—Hotel Manager (Olivia Coleman)