Plot Pathologically shy guy Lars (Gosling) introduces his new ‘girlfriend’ Bianca, a lifelike plastic doll, to his sister-in-law Karin (Mortimer) and brother Gus (Schneider). Somewhat concerned, they decide to call in psychologist Dagmar (Clarkson)...
Review
Blow-up sex dolls are horrible, creepy creations. Exponentially worse are ‘Real Dolls’, the lifelike mannequins that advertise their stain-resistant surfaces (“Nothing sticks to silicone flesh!” claims one manufacturer) in queasy detail on dodgy websites. The prospect of an indie rom-com about a man’s love affair with one such fake female sounds icky, but, surprisingly, under the grubby covers lies a warm, rather sweet film.
Ryan Gosling, in another turn of utter conviction, is Lars, a buttoned-down loner who looks like he could, at any moment, snatch a gun and go on the rampage against family - gruff brother Gus (Paul Schneider) and pregnant, glowing sister-in-law Karin (Emily Mortimer) - and co-workers. Yet it’s not psychosis underneath Lars’ skittishness, but loneliness: he makes an effort to greet his receptionist each morning, but scurries in terror from a party invite that follows.
What prompts Lars to acquire his new ‘girlfriend’ isn’t made explicit. A workmate draws his attention to the Real Girl website, but it’s the tentative flirting of new office girl Margo (Kelli Garner) that seems the catalyst for Lars’ acquisition of a ‘lady’. Thus arrives Bianca, a fully functional sex doll dressed in fishnets and miniskirt. Or, as Lars sees her, a wheelchair-bound former missionary who he met on a dating site. And to sidestep the distastefulness of Bianca’s origins, the Christian ‘couple’ sleep in separate rooms and keep their relationship chaste. That may be a cop-out, but it’s essential to the rest of the film’s tone.
What follows is a story about the power of illusion to cure our ills. By loving Bianca, and building her a personality, Lars is clearly delusional - but his delusion allows him to function in a way that he never could before. Gradually, he takes steps towards dealing with others, attending family dinners and even parties - all at Bianca’s ‘request’.
The less convincing, fantastical part of the story is the way that the entire town reacts to his new squeeze. At the behest of Lars’ therapist (Patricia Clarkson) and family, the community doesn’t challenge his belief in Bianca’s reality, since it could worsen Lars’ illness. But they go further, actively embracing Bianca’s presence to surreal effect - she ‘volunteers’ as a shop mannequin, and reads to kids (via a tape recorder) at the hospital. As her role grows, Lars has to deal with jealousy and allow his ‘girlfriend’ a measure of freedom, forcing on his development as well. It’s unbelievable (not one teen shouting abuse at the weirdo with the doll?), but it’s an appealing fantasy, hinting that it takes a town to heal a loner.
The supporting cast, especially the bubbly Mortimer, are all excellent, but it’s the Scandinavian feel created by director Craig Gillespie (the same man who brought us the awful Mr. Woodcock in the same year) and cinematographer Adam Kimmel that lingers longest. Under a perpetually cloudy sky, Lars’ struggle to change, and his newfound hope at Bianca’s arrival, are oddly convincing - you too may be sucked into his reality. In the bright light of a more Hollywood sun, such a delicate love story could never have survived.
Verdict A strangely affecting romance with real heart — and another sign that Gosling is one of the best young actors around.
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Average user rating for Lars And The Real Girl
Fantastic
I lived in a Northern Canadian town just like this one for over a year and it is amazing how the townsfolk rally round each other. My Ukrainian wife also drew parallels with her home town. So the premise is accurate, to a certain extent. But that is not it. The relationships (or lack of, In Lars' case) are beautifully drawn and the performances superlative. A fantastic little experience. Loved it. ... Read More
Well, I have to say that I strongly agree with Empire's review. "Lars and the Real Girl" is a powerful and touching drama that should teaches a lesson about the acceptance of different human conditions inside a comunity. In my point of view, Bianca is the Lars that Lars never wanted to be but in fact is. Confusing? Not much. Just watch the movie and enjoy a very swell time. ... Read More
I finally got to see this little gem of a movie at the electric in birmingham. It has brillaintly tempered performances, Gosling obviously further prving his skill but Paul Schneider and Emily Mortimer proving exceptional as well. You even start to feel for Bianca midway through the film, however it is hard to believe everybody would be so accepting of the circumstance. So if you can suspend your disbelief and a bit you'll find a warm, kind-hearted, funny film =) ... Read More
L: vb/tim
i disagree with helen, it is lars sister-in-law's pregnancy that leads to his delusions, his fear of loving someone who could leave him (as his 3 family members have in different ways) that results in him loving a permanent fixture(the doll).
this is a very well acted/directed film.
gosling will be a true great if he follows the right path
this is my first post, hello to you all
sp;
I think you're spot on about the pregnancy thing, isn't there a point in the do... Read More
One of the most clever and beautiful films produced this year; Like Lightfoot I thought it was a stupid idea and I couldn't believe how beautiful it actually was ... Read More
A really touching and heartfelt film. Sure the way the town rallys around Lars is unrealistic as is the fact that no-one openly mocks him but that's not what the film is about. It's about friendship and people needing each other and that's what makes the film work.
4/5 ... Read More
despite tremendous performances, the film is impossible to truly believe and the predictable nature of the film against the clever script give it a contradicting feel of sickliness and heartfelt. ... Read More
I absolutely adored this film, most definitely the best thing I've seen this year. Funny and deeply touching (cried both times I've seen it), with Gosling turning in yet ent performance. Shot right into my Top 10 Films of All Time.
5/5.
... Read More
It's such a beautiful film, really touches you and I'd never thought I'd say about a film about a sex doll, it's not just about that, it's about community as well, The acting is superb all the cast are great, and Ryan Gosling wow, not to give you anything away but the way he acts with the doll is beautiful and brings tears to your eyes. Kelli Garner is also superb as Margo and a fantastic charcther actress ... Read More
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