The Lobster
The Lobster fingerprint
Very funny, immersive world, light on feelings.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Adrenaline3
- Spectacle3
Heart
Melancholic and romantic
- Melancholy8
- Romance7
- Pathos6
Humor
Plenty of absurdist humor and satire
- Absurdist Humor9
- Satire & Parody9
- Dark Humor9
World
Society, the future, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- Novelty10
- Dialogue Centrality9
- World Immersion8
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and storytelling
- Direction9
- Acting8
- Narrative Structure8
Style
Standout visual style
A distinctive visual signature.
- Visual Stylization8
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Lobster is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
- Fast Pace2Quick tempo and momentum.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Uncanny7Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
Heart
LowMelancholic and romantic
Emotionally, it's melancholic and romantic.
All heart traits
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Romance7Love stories and emotional connections.
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Wonder5Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Catharsis4Emotional release and payoff.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia1Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Family Dynamics0Relationships and generational ties.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
Very highPlenty of absurdist humor and satire
Expect plenty of absurdist humor and satire.
All humor traits
- Absurdist Humor9Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody9Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor9Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor8Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Wit & Wordplay7Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Physical Comedy3Slapstick and visual gags.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
Related traits
- Eccentricity9Oddball tone and quirks.
- Camp & Irony6Stylized exaggeration and wink.
World
HighSociety, the future, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around society, the future, and the mind. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- Novelty10Fresh ideas and invention.
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Ambiguity8Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
Related traits
- Social Commentary10Perspectives on society and norms.
- Surrealism9Dreamlike, bizarre imagery.
- Futuristic7Speculative tech and future worlds.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Politics6Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Tech & Humanity6Human stories in a tech world.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and storytelling
The direction, performances, and storytelling stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction9Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty10Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
Style
HighStandout visual style
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the visual style stand out.
All style traits
- Visual Stylization8Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality3Songs central to storytelling.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- Camp & Irony6Stylized exaggeration and wink.
Who it's for
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About
An unconventional love story...
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Questions about The Lobster
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Lobster worth watching?
Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 77/100 (IMDb 7.1, Rotten Tomatoes 87%, and Metacritic 82). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Lobster rated?
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: sexual content, strong language, and disturbing imagery.
How long is The Lobster?
1 h 59 min
The Lobster runs 1 h 59 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Lobster?
Not quite. Critics rate The Lobster higher (85) than audiences (69). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
Was The Lobster a box office hit?
Yes. It cost about $4 million to make and earned $16 million worldwide, 3.9 times its budget.
What language is The Lobster in?
It was made in English, with some French, Greek. Produced in France, Greece, Ireland, Netherlands, United Kingdom.
In how many countries can I watch The Lobster?
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Lobster in 71 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Lobster use?
TV Tropes lists 71 storytelling tropes for The Lobster, including Public Domain Soundtrack, Limited Wardrobe, Revenge.

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