If you could transform, what animal would you choose? He answered: 'A lobster.'

This is the first English-language film by Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos, who previously won the Grand Prix in the Un Certain Regard section at the 62nd Cannes Film Festival for 'Alps.'

From the very opening of the film, the audience is inevitably drawn into the oppressive atmosphere of a world governed by bizarre rules. Some may even feel a sense of confusion. This is because being single is forbidden; if one remains single, they are apprehended and sent to a hotel that seems to exist in a bygone era. Within this hotel, a terrifying rule dictates that if a partner is not found within 45 days, single individuals will be transformed into an animal of their choosing.

However, even in this world of oppression, there exists a rule that offers a form of clemency. Single guests at the hotel, which functions as a detention facility, can gain an extra day for each single person they capture in the forest with a tranquilizer gun, extending the deadline before their transformation into an animal.

In the film, the protagonist David (Colin Farrell), recently abandoned by his wife, is taken to the hotel with his "brother," a dog, and must find a partner. But where will David's journey lead him, away from this daily existence steeped in madness?

A Stellar Cast Assembled, Including Colin Farrell and Léa Seydoux

The cast features Colin Farrell of 'Total Recall,' appearing in a heavier build as the protagonist David; Rachel Weisz of 'The Constant Gardener' as the woman David falls in love with in the forest; Léa Seydoux of 'Blue Is the Warmest Color' as the leader of the forest-dwelling singles; Ben Whishaw, known for playing Q in 'Spectre,' as John, who is sent to the hotel; and John C. Reilly of 'Carnage' as Robert, a man with a lisp. This ensemble of acclaimed actors gathers for the film.

Lead actor Colin Farrell expressed his conviction, stating, 'I don't think anyone can remain indifferent to this film.' Léa Seydoux added, 'I can imagine the audience will be made to think,' strongly suggesting that after watching the film, viewers will find themselves questioning their own beliefs.

'The Lobster,' winner of the Jury Prize at the 68th Cannes Film Festival, will be released sequentially nationwide starting Saturday, March 5, at Shinjuku Cinema Qualite, Human Trust Cinema Shibuya, and other theaters.

The Lobster

Now Playing Nationwide from Saturday, March 5
Director | Yorgos Lanthimos
Screenplay | Yorgos Lanthimos, Efthimis Filippou
Starring | Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, Jessica Barden, Olivia Colman, Ashley Jensen, Ariane Labed, Angeliki Papoulia, John C. Reilly, Léa Seydoux, Michael Smiley, Ben Whishaw
Distribution | Fine Films
2015 | Ireland, UK, etc. | Color | English, French | 118 min | Original Title: THE LOBSTER
http://www.finefilms.co.jp/lobster/

©2015 Element Pictures, Scarlet Films, Faliro House Productions SA, Haut et Court, Lemming Film, The British Film Institute, Channel Four Television Corporation.