Lars and the Real Girl (2007) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Extremely shy Lars finds it impossible to make friends or socialize. His brother and sister-in-law worry about him, so when he announces that he has a girlfriend he met on the Internet, they are overjoyed. But Lars' new lady is a life-size plastic woman. On the advice of a doctor, his family and the rest of the community go along with his delusion.
Rated PG-13 • 2007 • 1h 47m
This film is rated PG-13 for its mature themes and sex-related content. The central plot of *Lars and the Real Girl* follows a socially isolated man, Lars, who develops a delusional relationship with a life-sized doll, Bianca, that he ordered from an adult website. While there is no nudity or sexual activity, the origin of the doll is discussed, and its purpose is alluded to. The film's primary focus is its gentle and empathetic… Sign up for the full guide
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Is Lars and the Real Girl appropriate for kids?
This film is rated PG-13 for its mature themes and sex-related content. The central plot of *Lars and the Real Girl* follows a socially isolated man, Lars, who develops a delusional relationship with a life-sized doll, Bianca, that he ordered from an adult website. While there… Read more — free account
Content severity in Lars and the Real Girl
What happens in Lars and the Real Girl, moment by moment
- 0:12 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
- 0:18 ♥ Sex & Nudity 5/10
- 0:25 🔥 Mature Themes 7/10
Sex and nudity in Lars and the Real Girl
The film's premise involves a life-sized doll ordered from an adult website. A scene shows Lars browsing the site while a narrator reads suggestive product descriptions. Characters later discuss whether Lars is having sex with the doll, referring to her as a "love toy" and being "anatomically correct." In one scene, a woman looks up the doll's skirt and reacts. There is no nudity or sexual activity, and the subject is handled with a gentle, non-explicit touch.
Violence and gore in Lars and the Real Girl
Violence is nearly absent. A character reacts in pain and flinches away from any physical touch due to a psychological condition (haphephobia). In one brief moment, a character tries to stop another from leaving, and they both stumble and fall without injury. A past action is discussed where a character put a noose around a teddy bear's neck, which is briefly shown. A character chops wood angrily out of frustration.
Language in Lars and the Real Girl
Language is infrequent and mild for a PG-13 film. There is one use of "goddamn," a couple uses of "damn" and "hell," and scattered milder terms like "crap" and "butt." The word "sex" is used in clinical or speculative discussions about the doll.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Lars and the Real Girl
Substance use is minimal. Adults are shown drinking beer socially at a party. One character is briefly seen smoking a cigarette outdoors.
Mature themes in Lars and the Real Girl
The film centers on complex and mature themes. Lars's relationship with the doll is a manifestation of deep-seated trauma, grief over his mother's death during his birth, and profound social anxiety. The film explores mental illness, delusion, and loneliness with empathy. It strongly portrays the power of community compassion and acceptance in facilitating healing. The eventual "death" of the doll and the subsequent funeral are emotionally intense and symbolic of Lars's recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lars and the Real Girl appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Lars and the Real Girl is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. This film is rated PG-13 for its mature themes and sex-related content. The central plot of *Lars and the Real Girl* follows a socially isolated man, Lars, who develops a delusional relationship with a life-sized doll…
What age rating does Lars and the Real Girl have?
Lars and the Real Girl is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Lars and the Real Girl about?
This film is rated PG-13 for its mature themes and sex-related content. The central plot of *Lars and the Real Girl* follows a socially isolated man, Lars, who develops a delusional relationship with a life-sized doll, Bianca, that he ordered from an adult website. While there is no nudity or sexual activity, the…
Is there sex or nudity in Lars and the Real Girl?
The film's premise involves a life-sized doll ordered from an adult website. A scene shows Lars browsing the site while a narrator reads suggestive product descriptions. Characters later discuss whether Lars is having sex with the doll, referring to her as a…
How violent is Lars and the Real Girl?
Violence is nearly absent. A character reacts in pain and flinches away from any physical touch due to a psychological condition (haphephobia). In one brief moment, a character tries to stop another from leaving, and they both stumble and fall without injury…
Is the language in Lars and the Real Girl appropriate for kids?
Language is infrequent and mild for a PG-13 film. There is one use of "goddamn," a couple uses of "damn" and "hell," and scattered milder terms like "crap" and "butt." The word "sex" is used in clinical or speculative discussions about the doll.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Lars and the Real Girl?
Substance use is minimal. Adults are shown drinking beer socially at a party. One character is briefly seen smoking a cigarette outdoors.
What mature themes appear in Lars and the Real Girl?
The film centers on complex and mature themes. Lars's relationship with the doll is a manifestation of deep-seated trauma, grief over his mother's death during his birth, and profound social anxiety. The film explores mental illness, delusion, and loneliness…
How long is Lars and the Real Girl?
Lars and the Real Girl runs 107 minutes, directed by Craig Gillespie, released in 2007.
Where can I read the full Lars and the Real Girl parent guide?
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