Lars and the Real Girl

Lars and the Real Girl is a 2007 American comedy-drama film written by Nancy Oliver and directed by Craig Gillespie about a socially inept young man who develops a romantic relationship with an anatomically correct doll he orders online.


In chapter 2, Love One Another, we are quickly introduced to the basic theme of the film and to our protagonist Lars.  We quickly find that not all is quite right with Lars, but sense that he is a good natured fellow, willing to serve despite his very noticeable social awkwardness.  Upon first look, we're tempted to judge and dismiss Lars rather than remain open to him and discover what has contributed to make him who he has become, missing as well the opportunity to witness what he could be.

Romans 14:19-21 (The Message)

 ^19-21So let's agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other. Help others with encouraging words; don't drag them down by finding fault. You're certainly not going to permit an argument over what is served or not served at supper to wreck God's work among you, are you? I said it before and I'll say it again: All food is good, but it can turn bad if you use it badly, if you use it to trip others up and send them sprawling. When you sit down to a meal, your primary concern should not be to feed your own face but to share the life of Jesus. So be sensitive and courteous to the others who are eating. Don't eat or say or do things that might interfere with the free exchange of love.


In chapter 16, Guilt, we begin to see the compounding circumstances that help contribute to Lars' delusion.  His brother Gus admits guilt that he feels in the part that he has played in the past to wife Karin, but would be better suited in opening and confessing as much to his brother.  His reluctance to accept his brother's problem seems connected somehow to his guilt in contributing to it.  

James 5:16-18 (The Message)

 ^16-18Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with. Elijah, for instance, human just like us, prayed hard that it wouldn't rain, and it didn't—not a drop for three and a half years. Then he prayed that it would rain, and it did. The showers came and everything started growing again.

In chapter 19, I'm Sorry, we find an inquisitive Lars quizzing Gus as to what it takes to be a man.  Later in the scene, it's Gus' apology that seems to turn the tide in Lars' recovery.  From this point on, Lars begins to detach from his created delusion and seeks real relationships.

Galatians 6:1-3 (The Message)

 ^1-3 Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day's out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ's law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived.