Silicone Soul

Silicone Soul explores the intriguing realm of intimate relationships between humans and artificial companions - be it dolls, or robotics. Released in 2018, this documentary, directed by Melody Gilbert, unravels the complexities of human emotions and the lengths to which people go to find companionship, comfort, or just escape their loneliness.

The film starts by introducing various adult individuals who live with life-size dolls. Not merely items of possession, these dolls are their authentic companions with whom they share their daily routines, secrets, dreams, and even their beds. Each character in the film reveals a different perspective and raison d'être for their peculiar companionship, thereby depicting an array of human emotions and conditions such as love, care, companionship, loneliness, rejection, and fantasy.

For some characters, these silicone companions serve as substitutes to human companions due to their traumatizing past experiences with real relationships. For others, it's about fulfilling a fantasy or living in a utopia where they can control and dominate – be it a woman wanting a perfect male companion who is always around or a man who desires to live in a fantasy of eternal youth.

In stark contrast, the film introduces a business entity that creates these dolls. It was interesting to see the amount of work and customization that goes into these dolls to ensure they are as lifelike as possible - eyes, body parts, hair, skin - all curated meticulously. This customization caters to the personal preferences and fantasies of the clients, making each doll as unique as their owners.

Gilbert uses her characters to ask existential questions about what makes a relationship. How does it become intimate and emotional? Can these bonds fill the void that real human relationships cannot? The characters talk about love, companionship, fantasy, personal space, vulnerability, control, and even the idea of a perfect partner through their personal stories.

Silicone Soul also hints subtly at the future of relationships with the advancement in artificial intelligence and robotics. How would humankind adapt, accept, or even exploit these advancements? These judgments are left to the viewer as the film doesn't force its opinion upon you.

The film also explores the societal aspects of the lives of the characters. The individuals and their companions are often subjected to ridicule, curiosity, and judgment from their family, friends, and society. Gilbert does not shy away from showing the negative aspects of these relationships as well - the self-imposed isolation of these individuals or the occasional disturbances in their mental health. It prompts a deeper conversation on mental health, societal acceptance, and the desperate human need for love and companionship.

Gilbert admirably handles each character with empathy and sensitivity, giving them their space to present their narrative. The slow and pensive pace of the film and use of minimal background score lets the viewers get into the depth of the character’s emotion.

Silicone Soul is a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of a subject that is often dismissed as odd or outlandish. At a glance, one might dismiss these relationships as eccentricities of the lonely or desperate. Still, the film offers a deeper exploration of human connections, loneliness, and society's judgment, all while refraining from casting its judgment on its intriguing subjects.

In essence, the film gives a voice and a face to a segment of society that is often outcast and misunderstood due to their unusual choices. It is a study of the human condition and the ceaseless quest for love, companionship, and fulfillment. Absorbing, complex, and quietly profound, Silicone Soul does not provide answers: it simply presents situations, opens dialogue, and provokes thought. This film serves as a unique mirror on human psychology and our ever-evolving relationship with technology. It dares to ask complex questions about what it means to be human and, indeed, what it means to love.