Random, dark story that changes its tone halfway through

Rating: 7/10 (19 December 2018)

"The Lobster" is quite a unique experience. It's a story about a man in the near future in a hotel that's designed to help single people find a mate, or be turned into an animal if one fails to do so. It's a tale of loneliness, love, and transformation. The deadpan nature of the actors and environment mixed with the grim, silly humor makes me feel like this film would be the result if the boys from Monty Python tried making a serious movie. The characters are mostly apathetic, as it seems those in charge in the future wants everybody to lack emotion, which sort of adds to the hilarity. It's a weird movie, but I enjoyed it. Although I feel like I would've enjoyed it more while drunk. It starts off well and rather funny, but it gets more serious as it goes on, and sort of loses its charm a bit. A film such as this that starts off dark and humorous but loses its humor towards the end, just becomes dark and depressing. However it is still an enjoyable flick, worth seeing.
What really got me laughing, were the absurd attempts by the establishment to stress that being part of a couple is better than being single. No spoilers here, but in particular as an example, is what the dart-shooting instructor says to the man from room 187, as he calls him up to take his turn. This is just one example of many. The comedy is emotionless, blunt, bleak, and seems to mirror the lives of those in reality who struggle to find a partner.
There are obvious social commentaries in the film, driving home messages of loneliness, relationships (especially ones that are forced, either from within oneself, or by an outside force), and government's forcefulness and knack for butting in where it's not wanted. You can take it more seriously like this, pretend that the film has a point. Or you can just go along for the random, ridiculous ride.
Just be prepared for it to be a different movie at the end than how it starts.
If you liked this (or you haven't seen it yet but have enjoyed some of the following), I will recommend a few films/tv shows. There's a movie that is even more random than this one called "Rubber," about a killer telekinetic tire. Hilarious, and quite misunderstood. There's also "Black Mirror," an excellent show on the nature of society and technology, "The Lobster" seems to me to be a similar in terms of social criticism in the future. Then there's "In Bruges," a hidden gem also starring Colin Farrell. There is also "Withnail & I," "Equilibrium," "Harold & Maude," and "Barton Fink."