The Lighthouse memes originate from the 2019 psychological horror film directed by Robert Eggers, celebrated for its 1.19:1 aspect ratio and the explosive performances of Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson. The film's stylized, archaic dialogue—most notably Dafoe's 'Hark!' monologue and the heated argument over lobster—quickly transitioned from cinematic drama to internet gold. These memes typically highlight intense, nonsensical arguments, existential dread, or the feeling of being trapped with a difficult companion. The striking black-and-white aesthetic provides a 'high-art' backdrop for absurd captions, making it a favorite for those mocking niche intellectualism or simply expressing extreme frustration.