The film’s unique ideas on human relationships, loneliness, fear, and maturity are dealt with in a truly moving way. One particularly affecting scene takes place when Lars breaks down in Dr. Berman’s office and reveals his fear about Karin’s pregnancy. It’s a child-like fear, but for Lars it’s almost paralyzing. Another poignant scene is where Lars asks his brother about what it means to become a man. Gus has a hard time answering at first, but his answer soon turns into a heartfelt apology to his brother. Both of these scenes not only show the great skill of the actors involved, but they also show the power of movie’s script.

One question that might draw criticism from some is: Could a town in America today really embrace a person like Lars? I can’t answer yes or no for sure, but I can say with some certainty that most of us would like to believe it could. And those are precisely the hopes that the film plays to.

Lars and the Real Girl is not at all what you expect, but it ends up being a whole lot more.

Movie Grade: A

Synopsis:

Written by Six Feet Under scribe Nancy Oliver, Lars and the Real Girl is a heartfelt comedy starring Academy-Award nominated Ryan Gosling as Lars Lindstrom a loveable introvert whose emotional baggage has kept him from fully embracing life. After years of what is almost solitude, he invites Bianca, a friend he met on the internet to visit him. He introduces Bianca to his Brother Gus (Paul Schneider) and his wife Karen (Emily Mortimer) and they are stunned. They don't know what to say to Lars or Bianca – because she is a life-size doll, not a real person and he is treating her as though she is alive. They consult the family doctor Dagmar (Patricia Clarkson) who explains this is a delusion he's created – for what reason she doesn't yet know but they should all go along with it. What follows is an emotional journey for Lars and the people around him.