The Lobster is a 2015 absurdist black comedy drama film co-produced and directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, who co-wrote it with Efthimis Filippou. It stars Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, Jessica Barden, Olivia Colman, Ashley Jensen, Ariane Labed, Angeliki Papoulia, John C. Reilly, Léa Seydoux, Michael Smiley, and Ben Whishaw. The film follows a newly single bachelor who moves into a hotel with other singles, who are all obliged to find a romantic partner within 45 days; otherwise, they will be transformed into animals. The film was announced in October 2013, with Jason Clarke originally cast in the lead role.