Distinct, odd, disturbing and hilarious are all words that can be used to describe the last two films from Greek helmer Yorgos Lanthimos. With 2009’s Oscar nominated “Dogtooth” and 2011’s “Alps,” the helmer put his mark on the world of international cinema in a big way, all while managing to land on the kind of radars that directors of decidedly out-there cinema rarely attract. And now he’s going all in on his most intriguing prospect yet, a star-studded, English language debut.
Jason Clarke, Lea Seydoux, Ben Whishaw and Olivia Colman are slated to star in the futuristic romance, “The Lobster.” Re-teaming with screenwriting partner Efthymis Filippou, this is of course far from your usual love story, with the filmmaker once again playing with ideas of identity, connection and more. Here’s the official synopsis:
An unconventional love story set in a dystopian near future where single people, according to the rules of the Town, are arrested and transferred to the Hotel. There they are obliged to find a matching mate in 45 days. If they fail, they are transformed into an animal of their choosing and released into the woods. A desperate Man escapes from the Hotel to the Woods where the Loners live and there he falls in love, although it’s against their rules.
The Ireland, U.K. and Greece co-production will hit the sales floor at A.F.M. in November, with production to begin next March. So, we’d reckon it’s a possibility for the fall 2014 festival circuit if Lanthimos can crank it out, or perhaps in 2015. Either way, it’s one that already has us pretty curious. [Deadline]