Films dealing with topics like sexual obsession and pornography are rarely handled with the type of maturity that is evident in Robert Parigi's debut feature Love Object. A complex psychological thriller, Parigi's film is one of the most disturbing independent American films to come along in some time. Produced for under a million dollars and shot in an astounding three week period, the film exudes a subtle creepiness throughout that makes for a disquieting, uncomfortable viewing experience. Though themes of erotic depravity are quite common in genre cinema, Love Object delves far deeper to depict the profound and utterly devastating consequences that these problems can have on people.

Love Object provides us a glimpse into the world of Kenneth, a technical writer who devotes himself to producing manuals for home appliances. His life is ordinary, highly regimented and completely lacking any contact with the fairer sex. That is until his slimy coworkers introduce him to "Nikki", a made-to-order, anatomically-correct sex doll. Unsure wether to be disturbed or intrigued, he files the information away for later use. He currently has bigger things to worry about, such as a tight deadline for a tough project and the inefficiencies of his new temporary assistant, Lisa. She's a sweet, attractive young lady, and Kenneth quickly develops a fondness for her, but his poor social skills prevent him from pursuing her.

Instead he decides to order the $10,000 love doll and selects her features to match those of Lisa. Nikki soon arrives in a gigantic crate, which Kenneth attempts to stuff into his apartment while his curious neighbors (including Udo Kier) look on. Initially dissatisfied with the "product" after a test run, Kenneth discovers some software in the doll's package that helps him personalize her to suit his fantasies. He accomplishes this by carefully observing Lisa and documenting her hobbies, favorite foods and musical tastes. In the process he learns how to communicate with the real-life Lisa and starts a promising relationship with her. His work improves, he's happier, and his life seems to be progressing quite nicely.

But rest assured, it isn't. The film's first signs of malice are revealed when Kenneth wakes up one morning chained to Nikki, even though he had left her outside the room the night before. It appears that Nikki is quite the jealous lover and is not taking Kenneth's infidelity lightly. Though his relationship with Nikki had always been entirely fictitious, she begins to affect his life in very concrete ways. Nikki's interference, coupled with Kenneth's increasing dementia, lead to some rather disturbing sequences involving powered hacksaws, bondage gear and even a very graphic attempt at plastination. Kenneth's eventual inability to distinguish fantasy from reality is sobering, to say the least, and a few unexpected twists keep things from becoming predictable towards the latter stages of the film.

What we ultimately have here is an intimate character study that succeeds mainly due to the strength of Desmond Harrington's courageous performance as Kenneth. He skillfully plays the part of an ordinary, socially-stunted schlub, making his eventual descent into madness all the more believable. Kenneth's deep-seeded psychological problems are revealed gradually during the course of the film, starting as a mild paraphilia and slowly developing into larger delusions of inferiority and a fear of losing control of his life. Melissa Sagemiller provides a nice contrast as the sweet, captivating, green-eyed Lisa. (If you've never seen Melissa before, just imagine Gwenyth Paltrow, except attractive, charming and with acting ability.) She portrays the perfect girlfriend, which only serves to make the film's gruesome events even harder to sit through.

Love Object is a very small film, almost claustrophobic at times, and unfolds with a minimum of camera changes and settings. There are a handful of Hitchcock references, which Parigi himself admits were intended both as homages and used as time-saving techniques. Every detail concerning Kenneth, from his workspace to his morning rituals, are stark, dull and intended to completely de-romanticize his character. Sound effects and musical accompaniment are rather standard fare, as are the sparse visual effects, but this is easily overlooked considering the film's focus on characterization and interpersonal development. While I'm talking about the production, I might as well mention that the Nikki doll is probably the least convincing effect in the entire movie. I blame the makers of the product (realdoll.com) rather than the filmmakers, though the doll's crumminess should serve as a blunt reprimand to those contemplating purchasing this product or something similar.

One of the biggest overarching themes in Love Object is the notion that technology has evolved to a point where the most intimate human elements, like love and sexuality, are stripped of their intrinsic value and paraded around for all to scrutinize. The film also presents a dramatic view of the effects that pornographic material can have on the lives of people, as well as the severe disruptions and psychosocial problems it can cause. The punk band Bad Religion explored the same topic in 2000's I Love My Computer, whose refrain chimes "when I'm through I just click, and you just go away". Kenneth is not afforded the same luxury by the interactive love doll, as Parigi deftly illustrates the disruptions she causes with increasingly unsettling physical manifestations. It's a very creepy journey into the nether regions of the human mind that is thought-provoking, to say the least.

While perhaps not a true horror film, Love Object is plenty horrific and a worthy addition to the Danger After Dark lineup. The fascinating subject matter, coupled with some gutty performances, make for a highly rewarding cinema experience. Robert Parigi's debut is, at least in my eyes, a smashing success, and I'm looking forward to seeing more from him in the future. (Perhaps Love Object 2: House of the Loving Dead? That's his joke, not mine.) More than just a shocking study of sexual perversion, Love Object provides a sharp commentary on the rapidly accelerating de-humanization of love and sexuality. A disturbing premise, black humor and excellent execution all add up to a must-see film that will have you squirming in your seat.

Thumbs Up. A deliciously creepy debut with a fascinating premise and some truly squirm-inducing visuals. Not recommended as a date movie.