In 2007, we didn’t yet know how smartphones and social media would isolate us.
But even before all those technological distances, people endured loneliness and antisocial behavior.Lars and the Real Girl, a movie released in 2007, tells a kindhearted story of a man trapped inside his social awkwardness.
You can watch Lars free on YouTube and Plex (possibly with ads).
The movie introduces a young man who avoids social interaction. His outings consist of going to work and to church before returning to his dark house. He avoids invitations from his brother and sister-in-law even when they beg him to join them for a cookout. Or breakfast. Whatever he’s open to.
They live across the driveway from him, so it’s not much of a walk.
He can’t look at them as he politely shakes his head.
A new girl at work and at church notices Lars, but he shuns her.
Yet the people of this small northern town are kind to him.
A co-worker hands him a written invitation to her party, although she tells others, “I know he won’t come.” But she tries.
One day Lars surprises everyone. He buys an adult-size doll, names it Bianca, and introduces her to his family and friends as his girlfriend.
Suddenly he’s able to interact with others as he tenderly cares for Bianca.
After the initial shock among the townspeople, they embrace Bianca and include her and Lars in social events. Lars even takes Bianca to the co-worker’s party.
Ryan Gosling nails the subtle facial and hand movements that communicate much about Lars’s social isolation. Gosling shows us that Lars is responsible, yet complex, unaware of how his community treasures him.
Eventually, Lars is amazed as the local girls take Bianca to the beautician for a trim and a manicure. Then Bianca is elected to the school board and always has a seat at Sunday morning services.
There are no big chase scenes in this movie, but plenty of surprises and gentle humor.
The movie asks what makes us human. Bianca does not come to life (that’s not really a spoiler), but others do, including the townspeople.
Lars and the Real Girl is a bit quirky, but mostly it shows how kindness and love can impact a person. I hope you’ll check it out.
Let me know if you do.