Top Yorgos Lanthimos Films: Dark Humor & Surreal Brilliance

Welcome to All Cinephiles ! If you enjoy movies that are full of humor and deep meaning then you definitely should start interesting yourself with Yorgos Lanthimos works.

His approach to painting is rather nontraditional as many of the paintings combine elements of Bronze Age with themes of black humor with dark and surrealistic gloom is loved by fans and critics. Welcome to our Lanthimos special where we present you the top five movies of the contemporary Hellene director.

Source: Searchlight (YouTube)

1. The Favourite (2018)

Plot and Performances

Of all the films that Lanthimos shot, “The Favourite” can be considered the most financially successful one. It brings the audience to the portrait of the British monarchy especially that of Queen Anne which spans in the early 18th century. This is a movie that has fantastic and powerful performances by Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, and Rachel Weisz.

Why It’s Great

The film was extremely satirical, with irony and witty remarks by the characters and extraordinary visuals in terms of set design. This movie was the official turning point for Olivia Colman who played the queen very well and won her an Oscar. The performances of three main women are witty and moving hence the movie “The Favourite” is a masterpiece.

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2. The Lobster (2015)

An Unusual Love Story

According to Brook’s film “The Lobster”, society is depicted as a place where everyone is trapped, in which single people are transformed into animals if they do not find a partner in forty-five days. Farrell is the star and hits all the right notes with his subdued portrayal that eerily works for the movie’s dark comedy with a hint of nihilism.

Exploring Themes

This film can be aptly described as a portrayal of the society’s expectations of people to conform to norms in the romantic aspect of their lives. Therefore, the outrageous scenario gives the director the opportunity to raise essential and significant questions about love, individuality, and freedom. It is somewhat bizarre, rather romantic, and categorically unique.

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3. Dogtooth (2009)

Believe it or not, this is a book of fairy-tales and unfortunately, a dark and disturbing one. 

“Dogtooth” is the debut picture of the director, which went on to make International achievements for Lanthios. The movie is about a family which raised their children in a very odd, sheltered manner which forms the crux of the plot. It is a rather compelling film to watch thanks to its impressive ability to create an unpleasant feeling and depict topics that are far from being pleasant.

Critics’ Take

Dogtooth has it in Cannes film festival, in the Un Certain Regard category and the film is most purely original winning boldness of direction. It is definitely a movie that incites passion and or hatred and leaves an impression on the viewers once the film is over.

Source: A24 (YouTube)

4. The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)

A Psychological Thriller

The Killing of a Sacred Deer, Lanthimos moves to generalized psychological horror. This is the storyline depicting a surgeon played by Colin Farrell and a teenage boy who has some evil plans for him. The protagonist is also performed by Nicole Kidman, which also strengthens the film’s cast.

Atmosphere and Tension

There is always suspense in this film which is underpinned by the music as well as the actors’ portrayal. By directing the movie, Lanthimos makes sure that the tone of fear increases constantly, and the ending is filled with chills and provoking ideas.

Source: Kino Lorber (YouTube)

5. Alps (2011)

Unique and Thought-Provoking

But “Alps” remains as one of Lanthimos’ less known movies, but that does not mean that it is any less captivating. It has grown to become a movie that tells a story of a set of people who provide a twist service of pretending to be a relation of an individual who is dearly missed. It is, queer and poignant in its portrayal of the process of mourning and the search for one’s self.

Why It Deserves Attention

While it was not as critically acclaimed as the other films by Lanthios, “Alps” gives evidence of the director’s ability to intertwine elements of the fantastical with the realistic. It’s not the kind of movie that announces itself loud and clear, but it is such a remarkable movie that it needs to be recognized.

Join the Conversation!

Yorgos Lanthimos has proved himself to be a director who is able to create a mind-bending plot along with the elements of comedy. His movies are not merely the kind that viewers sit back and watch but those that are to be felt and contemplated on. Which one of the movies you like most?

Can you recall all of the five presented here on this list? Please share your thoughts in the section below. It is the wisdom and the voices of the people that define this community – so do not hesitate to opinionated!

Closing Thoughts

For those who grow tired of continuous stream of various supercalifragilisticexpialidocious productions, Yorgos Lanthimos is a refreshing director. His movies have controversial, innovative, and sometimes shocking images encouraging the viewers to shift paradigms in terms of perceiving reality.

Regardless if this is the first time that you are encountering his movies or are a loyal audience to his quirkiness, there is always an unmatched thrill that can be had in Lanthimos’ universe.

Thanks for watching this journey on the big screen. Tune in for other glimpses of the finest of movies and entertainment!