As we cross the threshold of childhood, most of us leave behind the innocent pastime of playing with dolls. However, ‘Living Dolls’, an immersive and engaging documentary, introduces us to individuals who have held onto this fascination well into adulthood.
A notable character in this vivid narrative is Mike, a grown man living with his parents and his boyfriend. Mike shares his life not only with his loved ones but also with an impressive collection of Barbie dolls. The film captures his mix of anticipation and anxiety as he prepares for his inaugural Barbie convention. As a young man, Mike cast aside his dolls, concealing his affection for them. But once he embraced his true identity and came out to his family, he rekindled his love for the iconic Barbie, this time with unabashed enthusiasm and the blessings of his loved ones.
Enter Michael, an older gentleman who transforms his living space into a doll deconstruction workshop. Amid a chaos of papers, envelopes, and tools, Michael meticulously deconstructs each doll, stripping away the costumes, hair, and plastic skin coating. What remains are skeletal metallic figures that bear closer resemblance to robots than Barbie dolls, creating an intriguing paradox that challenges our notions of doll identity.
David’s relationship with his dolls goes beyond mere collection; it delves into a territory of intense intimacy. He interacts with these eerily lifelike silicon figures with an ardor that transcends the boundaries of conventional doll appreciation. The film shadows David as he attends a gathering of like-minded doll aficionados, revealing a thriving subculture that thrives on the fringes of mainstream society.
Finally, the film presents Debbie, a loving wife and mother whose burgeoning doll collection threatens her family’s financial stability. Her devoted husband implores her to rein in her spending, hinting at a deeper void that her compulsive doll collecting is trying to fill. Debbie’s narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the potential pitfalls of such an obsessive pursuit.
‘Living Dolls’ explores these fascinating stories without passing judgment. It questions whether these unconventional passions are harmless outlets for self-expression or signs of psychological imbalance. Some subjects appear engrossed, even lost, in their obsessions, while others seem to draw confidence and comfort from their collections. At its core, ‘Living Dolls’ is more than a narrative about doll collecting. It offers a nuanced psychological exploration into the lengths we go to combat loneliness and search for happiness. Despite its surface simplicity and comic undertones, the film poses profound questions about human connection and the search for personal fulfillment.
