Love Object (2003)

42% of critics liked it
(24 reviews)
55% of users liked it
(3,352 ratings)

Robert Parigi writes and directs the low-budget horror movie Love Object. Technical writer Kenneth (Desmond Harrington) is too shy to reveal his attraction to co-worker Lisa (Melissa Sagemiller). He's only able to relax after ordering Nikki, a Lisa-lookalike sex doll with realistic anatomy. The new,… More Robert Parigi writes and directs the low-budget horror movie Love Object. Technical writer Kenneth (Desmond Harrington) is too shy to reveal his attraction to co-worker Lisa (Melissa Sagemiller). He's only able to relax after ordering Nikki, a Lisa-lookalike sex doll with realistic anatomy. The new, sexually fullfilled Kenneth develops the confidence to talk to the real-life Lisa, but Nikki gets jealous. Kenneth starts to confuse reality with fantasy, leading to violence and gore. Rip Torn and Udo Kier appear in a cameo roles. Love Object premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2003. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 28 min.
Directed By: Robert Parigi
Written By: Robert Parigi
Genres: Horror

In Theaters: Nov 1, 2003 Wide
On DVD: Jul 13, 2004
Studio: LionsGate Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Mark Jenkins, Washington Post
The sort of clumsy undertaking that trips up everyone and everything in it.
, Los Angeles Times
Droll and modestly creepy horror film.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
The movie reaches with increasing desperation toward humor and grisly sadism, and the mood is broken.
Robert K. Elder, Chicago Tribune
While some pedestrian camerawork and spotty acting from supporting players deflate Love Object, it has enough juice -- and a surprising twist -- to keep fans of the slow-burn horror genre enthralled.
Carla Meyer, San Francisco Chronicle
What might have been a commentary on the objectification of women becomes an unrestrained forum for twisted ideas of sexuality.
Tom Maurstad, Dallas Morning News
All the student-film hallmarks are here: deep-think pretentiousness, annoyingly arty camera-work, cardboard-cutout characters and robotic dialogue.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
The film sends a false message about freaky sex.
Staci Layne Wilson, Horror.com
As Kenneth dips into 'Norman Bates meets The Marquis de Sade' waters, horror fans will stand transfixed and will definitely not be disappointed by the shocking finale.
Tim Cogshell, Boxoffice Magazine
The comedy falls flat and the only real horror is having to sit through the whole damn thing.
Marc Savlov, Austin Chronicle
Feels so depressingly vacant that it registers less as a film than as a pointed lesson in what not to do in the wacky world of non-traditional dating.
Luke Y. Thompson, Los Angeles CityBeat
The biggest potential pitfall is that Kenneth starts the film as such a weirdo that some audience members may have problems relating to him
Chuck Wilson, L.A. Weekly
What's missing is any sense of why such a handsome man is afraid of women. That makes the premise hard to swallow, especially since Harrington is too commanding to be a believable dweeb.
Frank Swietek, One Guy's Opinion
Though you might admire bits and pieces of it, overall this movie is unlikely to be the object of anyone's affection.
Cherryl Dawson and Leigh Ann Palone, TheMovieChicks.com
You know you're having a bad day when you can't make a relationship work with your rubber doll - even with instructions...a nice little addition to the sick and twisted genre.
Ken Fox, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Has quite a bit to say about male fantasies.

Read all 15 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

El Hombre I

What does an office worker living a dull, routine life without friends or a woman do?? Orders one of the life-like silicone love dolls and models it after a female co-worker. More of a hilariously dark psychological thriller than straight-out horror, this is one interesting and… More
What does an office worker living a dull, routine life without friends or a woman do?? Orders one of the life-like silicone love dolls and models it after a female co-worker. More of a hilariously dark psychological thriller than straight-out horror, this is one interesting and deranged film that's unsettling, especially when the main character Kenneth begins to suspect his love-doll "Nikki" is becoming jealous. The addition of a manipulating sex doll always turns the fun level up in any film. Funny and gory. <a href="http://s273.photobucket.com/albums/jj203/goji9000/?action=view¤t=18373840.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj203/goji9000/18373840.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
Dr Blood

Desmond Harrington does a fantastic job as Kenneth Winslow. He's sort of like half Norman Bates and half Willard (but without all the rats!).
Christopher B

Top notch, psychotic performance by Desmond Harrington in a movie that doesn't pull it's punches. The anti-May movie, for people who like their villains, whether you feel sorry for them or not, not to be the heroes.