Directed by Craig Gillespie
Written by Nancy Oliver
Starring: Ryan Golsing, Emily Mortimer, Paul Schneider, Kelli Garner, Patricia Clarkson

On the surface this movie is about a guy who falls in love with a life-size sex doll – an interesting concept in itself.

However, what makes this movie appealing is the affect this bizarre one-sided love affair has on the people around it.

Lars Lindstrom (Ryan Gosling) is a shy loner who lives in the garage of his brother Gus and sister-in-law Karin’s home – that is until he orders a disturbingly life-like she-doll off the internet named Bianca.

This is where things start to heat up for Lars, but not in the naturally assumed sexual deviant way, as Lars isn’t after a bit nastiness from the noticeably well-endowed sex doll, but a oddly – shock, horror – all he desires is a good, old-fashioned wholesome relationship.

Lars’ silicone new love, comes as a surprise to everyone in his life, particularly his brother Gus (Paul Schneider) and his wife Karin (Emily Mortimer), who kindly put up the wheelchair bound Bianca, even going so far as to bathe her and tuck her in at night.

On the advice of the town doctor, Dagmar (Patricia Clarkson), Lars’ family and friends and the whole town community all play along with his delusion and embrace Bianca as one of their own in the hope that he will return to his antisocial and awkward self.

One man’s love affair with a toy is not treated as a gimmick with in the film or an opportunity for crass humour – a testament to the writer Nancy Oliver who has previously dealt with the weird and wonderful as a writer on Six Feet Under and director Craig Gillespie(Mr. Woodcock, 2007).

Instead of dwelling on the perverse aspect of dating a doll designed for fetish, the film focuses on the transformative effect it has on Lars and his nearest and dearest, as well as the strained relationship between two brothers and the repercussions of mental illness.
 

Lars and the Real Girl is a quietly quirky and thoughtful movie, filled with an impressive dose of subtly rich performances, most notable from Gosling who plays the lovable and socially challenged, Lars.

The movie is clever, funny and touching, yet it does border on being a bit silly at times, albeit only briefly. On the whole, the thought provoking flick is well worth a watch, particularly if you’re after something a little left of centre.

4 inflatable girlfriends out of 5