Katey

I understand that the most obvious core of this movie was that the lasting grief and pain caused by Lars’ mother dying ultimately culminated in this delusion he grew attached to that felt Safe from Loss.

But beyond that? You have a story about a male lead projecting himself onto a female doll; giving her the same backstory, the same childhood, likes and dislikes. Asking his sister in law if she would mind lending this projection of himself some clothes. Speaking with those around him Through Her. This is how She (Lars) is feeling. This is what happened To Her (Lars). Expressing he wouldn’t mind if She had short hair. Then, as the movie progresses and as Lars goes through the growing pains of putting the delusion to rest - he begins introducing More and More traditionally feminine clothes (pink and florals) into his own wardrobe.

Lars doesn’t start feeling comfortable or expressive until he’s speaking through Bianca. Lars spends the whole movie using Bianca to gain a connection to his family/community and his femininity, utilizing her as an outlet for these things he doesn’t know how to process. Then, gradually, Lars bridges the gap (Bianca) between himself and these connections (notably a clear moment of this was when he asked his brother when he knew he was A Man), before ultimately he (she?) doesn’t feel like he needs her anymore. Lars is the real girl.