Lars and the Real Girl (2007)

Last updated:
August 8, 2025

Lars and the Real Girl is a heartfelt, quirky dramedy directed by Craig Gillespie. It’s one of those rare films that takes a premise that sounds absurd on paper and turns it into something touching, human, and deeply memorable.

Table of Contents

Detailed Summary

Introduction: Meeting Lars

The film introduces Lars Lindstrom (Ryan Gosling), a painfully shy young man living in a small Midwestern town. He avoids social interactions to the point where even his family struggles to connect with him. He lives in the garage of the family home while his brother Gus (Paul Schneider) and sister-in-law Karin (Emily Mortimer) occupy the main house.

The Arrival of Bianca

One day, Lars surprises everyone by announcing he has a girlfriend named Bianca. The twist: Bianca is a life-sized, anatomically correct doll he ordered from the internet. Lars treats Bianca as if she were a living, breathing woman—introducing her as a missionary and wheelchair user, speaking for her needs, and engaging in full social routines with her.

The Town’s Response

Initially, Lars’ family is baffled, embarrassed, and worried. Karin persuades Gus to consult the local doctor, Dagmar (Patricia Clarkson), who diagnoses Lars as having a delusion. She suggests they should all go along with it, allowing Lars to work through his emotional issues at his own pace. The community, surprisingly, gets on board—inviting Bianca to events, talking to her, and treating her as a real person.

The Healing Process

As Lars spends more time with Bianca, he also begins to tentatively connect with real people—especially co-worker Margo (Kelli Garner), who has her own social awkwardness. Through Bianca, Lars starts facing his fears of intimacy, human connection, and vulnerability.

Movie Ending

The emotional climax comes when Lars announces that Bianca is ill. This signals to everyone—including the audience—that Lars is preparing to let go of his delusion. The town rallies around him, supporting Bianca’s “final moments.” Eventually, Lars tells people that Bianca has died, and the community holds a respectful funeral service for her.

At the graveside, Lars is visibly emotional but also calmer, as if a weight has been lifted. After the funeral, he asks Margo to go for a walk, marking his first real step toward a genuine romantic relationship with a living person. The ending is bittersweet but hopeful—showing that Lars has begun to heal and is ready to face the world without the safety net of his delusion.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No. Lars and the Real Girl does not have any post-credits scenes. Once the story ends, the credits roll without additional footage.

Type of Movie

This film is a dramedy with strong elements of psychological drama and offbeat romance. It’s a character study wrapped in a tender, small-town narrative.

Cast

Ryan Gosling – Lars Lindstrom
Emily Mortimer – Karin Lindstrom
Paul Schneider – Gus Lindstrom
Patricia Clarkson – Dagmar
Kelli Garner – Margo

Film Music and Composer

The score is composed by David Torn. It’s a gentle, understated soundtrack that blends acoustic guitar, soft percussion, and warm tones to match the film’s heartfelt, intimate atmosphere.

Filming Locations

The movie was filmed primarily in Alton, Beaverton, and Toronto, Ontario, Canada. These locations convincingly stand in for a quiet Midwestern American town, enhancing the authenticity of the community dynamics central to the plot.

Awards and Nominations

Academy Awards – Nominated for Best Original Screenplay (Nancy Oliver)
Golden Globe Awards – Nominated for Best Actor (Ryan Gosling)
Multiple wins from critics’ associations for screenplay and acting performances.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Ryan Gosling reportedly filled Bianca’s shoes with weighted rice to make her feel more real while carrying her.
The cast treated Bianca as a cast member on set, keeping her in character between takes to help maintain authenticity.
Director Craig Gillespie emphasized to the crew that the humor must come from sincerity, not ridicule.

Inspirations and References

The story is an original screenplay by Nancy Oliver, but it takes thematic inspiration from psychological case studies involving coping mechanisms for social anxiety and trauma.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

There are no publicly known alternate endings. However, some deleted scenes explored more of Lars’ interactions with co-workers, providing extra humor and context to his gradual social awakening.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The movie is not based on a book, though its tone and style have been compared to works by writers like Anne Tyler, who often explore eccentric characters in small-town life.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Lars introducing Bianca to his stunned family at the dinner table.
The town hairdresser giving Bianca a makeover.
Bianca being elected to the school board as part of the town’s support.
The lakeside scene where Lars tells Bianca she’s sick.

Iconic Quotes

Lars: “She’s real to me.”
Dagmar: “What we call mental illness isn’t always just an illness.”
Karin: “This must be so hard for you.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

Bianca’s outfits subtly mirror Lars’ emotional journey—from bright and whimsical early on to more subdued toward the end.
The film quietly places Margo in several background shots before she’s fully introduced, hinting at her eventual importance to Lars.

Trivia

The role of Lars was originally offered to other actors before Ryan Gosling, but Gosling pushed for a more subdued, introverted portrayal than the script initially implied.
The movie was shot in just over 31 days.
Bianca had multiple identical models for different scenes, including lighter-weight versions for easier movement.

Why Watch?

Because it’s one of the rare films that turns an unusual premise into something uplifting, compassionate, and deeply human. It’s a showcase of Ryan Gosling’s range and a gentle reminder of the power of community support in healing personal trauma.

Lars and the Real Girl (2007)