This is probably the most gentle-hearted, adorable movie I’ve seen all year, at the very least. It never gets sappy or manipulative, thank God, thanks to a sterling script from Six Feet Under writer Nancy Oliver, and a great acting ensemble. The show is of course, all about one man, Ryan Gosling, giving what is probably his best performance to date. There’s a scene where he dances by himself that is possibly the single most heartbreaking scene I’ve seen all year.

Gosling, referring to flowers given to his missionary-made-of-plastic girlfriend Bianca, says “They’re not real, they’ll never die, they’ll just live forever”. I paraphrased that a little. But regardless, I think this throw away line is the key to the whole movie, and the moral and themes it’s discussing in a very subtle way. Lars doesn’t need Bianca for some perverted reason, for those who fear that, and I won’t give away anything other than that.

A simple joy of a movie, equal parts hysterical and emotional, another powerhouse performance by Gosling, how can you say no?

Also, where did Kelli Garner come from? She plays Margo, and I’m completely in love with her, just like I am with this movie.