Lars and the Real Girl

Today’s quick review: Lars and the Real Girl. Lars (Ryan Gosling), a kind but reclusive man, shocks his brother Gus (Paul Schneider) and sister-in-law Karin (Emily Mortimer) when he brings home a new girlfriend: Bianca, a life-sized doll that Lars believes is real. Left with no choice but to go along with Lars’ delusion, Gus and Karin make a place in their lives for Bianca and help Lars work through the issues causing his strange behavior.

Lars and the Real Girl is a romantic comedy about an isolated man who connects to others through his fake girlfriend. Bianca not only gives Lars the loving relationship he needs, but she also gives him a way to practice being social in a way that he can’t in his day-to-day life. The movie maintains a careful balance between the light social humor surrounding Bianca and some deeper psychological themes, making for a strangely wholesome watch.

The heart of Lars and the Real Girl is the way Lars’ friends and family react to his condition. The community rallies around him, making Bianca welcome and showing tremendous compassion for Lars in his time of need. This dynamic paves the way for a few heartwarming moments as the pieces of Lars’ life click into place. The film does not go for heavy drama or overt humor, but it has a knack for delivering simple and unexpected moments of humanity.

Lars and the Real Girl will not appeal to everyone. Its quirky premise takes some getting used to, its humor is understated, and its best moments are buried late in the story. But the movie manages to thread the needle, telling a charming story without being too heavy-handed. Viewers who are willing to take a gamble on an unconventional story will be rewarded with an uplifting watch with plenty of heart.

For a classic comedy about a kind man and his imaginary friend, check out Harvey. For a science fiction romance about an isolated man trying to connect, try Her. For a quirkier comedy about an earnest man who shares his delusion with the world, try Brigsby Bear.

7.3 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for heartfelt charm.