What if a doll could become human and find love? It's a tale we've seen told time and time again, but it's usually not through the lens of a blow-up doll. But if you check out Tubi right now, you'll get to take a walk on the wild side with a Japanese film that explores what happens when one develops a consciousness and falls in love with a human.
It might be a bit of an out-there premise, and the idea of a love doll being front and center might make some viewers feel a bit squeamish. But "Air Doll" is a heartfelt original that you don't see a lot of anymore, especially in the way that it explores loneliness, relationships, and the nature of being human. It's also a bit of a heartbreaker that you might not expect to have such feelings for.
What's 'Air Doll' about?
Nozomi (Bae Doona) is an inflatable sex doll who lives a lonely "life" as the companion of a middle-aged man named Hideo (Itsuji Itao). She's his closest friend and partner, or at least that's how he sees it. Hideo dresses her, talks to her over dinner and uses her for sex.
But one day, while Hideo is away at work, Nozomi inexplicably develops a soul and comes to life. She dresses in her maid’s uniform and begins to explore the outside world all on her own. Eventually, she gets a job at a video store and falls in love with a co-worker named Junichi (Arata).
However, when she accidentally cuts herself and deflates, things begin to spiral as she learns she has a maker and a place where she was manufactured. Her search for connection ultimately forces her to confront the loneliness of the humans around her, ultimately realizing that not everyone is full of the same "life" she is.
Why you should stream 'Air Doll' on Tubi
If you've ever enjoyed movies like "Lars and the Real Girl" or anime series like "Chobits," the appeal of a living doll or robot is probably not lost on you. But surprisingly, there aren't enough films that explore these tropes through the eyes of the doll. Coming to life is always a goal, of course, but what do these beings want to achieve if they do manage to reach sentience?
The answer is clear in "Air Doll," and it seems Nozomi just wants companionship and happiness. Unfortunately, it's not always clear what this looks like or means in the world she finds herself in. The journey from sex doll to sentience is a beautiful one, however, and watching her learn how humans go through their everyday lives, hold down jobs, and find the ones in life who are just for them is a real treat.
There's nothing quite like "Air Doll" on Tubi right now, and if you're a fan of romances with plenty of heartbreaking moments or surreal Japanese cinema, it'll be right up your alley. Give it a try, but be sure to keep some tissues around as well.
Stream "Air Doll" on Tubi for free
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