Lars and the Real Girl

Dir Craig Gillespie

Written by Nancy Oliver

Ryan Gosling, Emily Mortimer, Paul Schneider, Patricia Clarkson, Kelli Garner.

In a small northern American town, where winter is endless, lives Lars Lindstrom (Gosling), the socially awkward 20 something. He lives in the garage of the house he shares with his older brother Gus (Schneider, of Parks and Recs fame), and his wife Karin (Mortimer). Lars has always struggled with others, to the point he hates being touched by others.

One day he introduces Gus and Karin to his new girlfriend, Bianca – who just happens to be a life-sized ‘love doll’ – but Lars believes her to be a real person. The town, who all love the family come together to include Bianca in their lives, so they can help Lars overcome this point in their lives, their connection becomes so real that at times they even defend Bianca from a jealous Lars!

Gosling is mesmerising as the clearly neurodivergent Lars, who truly believes his doll to be a real life person. The relationships that he has between those around him differ for each person. There is his brother who first wants no part in the ruse, but slowly begins to accept it, and then educate his own friends and co-workers. His sister in law feels that her pregnancy is the cause of Lars’ ‘delusion.’ The new girl at work (Garner) who harbours a deep crush on him, despite his new ‘relationship’ – and the empathetic Dr (Clarkson) who ‘treats’ Bianca – so she can have time with Lars to treat him too.

The setting of the small town is never mentioned, but the cold weather is front and centre, and could almost act as a catalyst for Lars, as he is clearly harbouring sadness in him. The pleasant score that plays underneath is a perfect complement to the setting.

Gosling was rightly nominated for both a Golden Globe and S.A.G.A for his performance (but not an Oscar). His female co stars Mortimer and Clarkson are equally as brilliant in their roles.

Give this one a watch, it is truly worth it.

4.5/5