Over the past two decades, the conversation about sex dolls has evolved in both subtle and significant ways. Advances in technology have not only enhanced the dolls themselves but have also fostered communities that celebrate their role in people's lives, leading to a better understanding of the positive effects they can have.

A pivotal moment in this shift was the 2007 film Lars and the Real Girl, which, despite being a box office failure, starred Ryan Gosling, one of Hollywood's top actors. Gosling plays Lars, a socially withdrawn young man grappling with trauma from his mother's death, which has left him with a fear of intimacy and a tendency to avoid social interactions in his small, unnamed town.

Lars introduces his brother and sister-in-law to Bianca, a life-sized doll suggested to be a RealDoll. After seeking therapy under the pretense of helping Bianca, Lars' brother Gus, supported by the community, begins to treat her as if she were alive, symbolizing Lars' growth and his desire to connect.

As Lars gradually emerges from his isolation, Bianca’s eventual “death” signifies that he has overcome the emotional barriers she represented. The community's kindness towards Lars reflects the unconditional love that Bianca embodied for him.

Thanks to its heartfelt script and Gosling's Oscar-nominated performance, Lars and the Real Girl transcended typical romantic comedy tropes, offering a compelling exploration of how dolls, alongside pets and other symbols of love, can help individuals confront their emotional struggles.