Greta Gerwig’s film is a hilarious and poignant meta-comedy that reinvents the iconic toy for a new generation—and makes Barbie more human than ever
Everyone knows Barbie as the cult-classic doll—but she’s more than that. Barbie is a cultural icon, a symbol of empowerment, and a source of joy for millions of girls and boys around the world. But what if Barbie had doubts about her purpose, her identity, and her place in the universe?
Barbie is not the movie you think it is. Instead, it’s a movie that asks you who you are, what you want, and what it means to be alive. That’s the premise of Greta Gerwig’s brilliant and zany film, which takes the beloved toy and turns her into a flesh-and-blood heroine who embarks on a journey of self-discovery.
Margot Robbie is perfect as Barbie, also known as Stereotypical Barbie, who starts out as a cheerful and confident resident of Barbieland, a utopian society where every Barbie can do anything she wants. But when she begins to question the meaning of her existence, she is banished from her home and sent to the real world and tries to help her overcome her insecurities. Along the way, she also encounters Ken, played by Ryan Gosling, her loyal but clueless boyfriend, who follows her to the real world and tries to win her.
The film is a clever and witty meta-satire of consumerism, patriarchy, and corporate greed as Barbie confronts the harsh realities of life outside Barbieland. She faces sexism, racism, and bullying, as well as the pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards. She also learns about the history and legacy of Mattel, the company that created her, and how it has shaped the lives of generations of women. Gerwig doesn’t shy away from addressing the controversial aspects of Barbie’s image, but she also celebrates her positive impact and influence.
The film delves into the existential questions that haunt both Barbie and Ken as they confront their own mortality, freedom, and responsibility. Are they bound by their predetermined roles or expectations? Do they have the power to create their own meaning and values? They face the challenges and risks of living authentically in a world that may not accept or understand them. The film invites you to reflect on your own existence and choices, as well as the possibilities and limitations of being human.
Exploring the concept of feminism and gender roles, Barbie and Ken struggle where they see fit. Barbie challenges the traditional notions of femininity and masculinity as she shows that she can be strong, smart, and independent while also being kind, compassionate, and nurturing. She defies the stereotypes that limit her potential and expression, and encourages others to do the same.
Ken, on the other hand, struggles with his identity as a male doll who is expected to be handsome, athletic, and supportive, but not much else. He feels insecure and inadequate, especially when he sees Barbie’s achievements and adventures. He faces his insecurities and tries to discover his own talents and passions, as well as his emotions and vulnerability.
Often, we are taught it is imperative to always choose ourselves, yet we wonder if we want to be chosen by other people, too. That’s the main purpose of feminism: the openness of choice. The film allows you to contemplate that gender roles are not fixed or natural, but socially constructed and fluid, and that they can be challenged and changed for the better.
More than anything, the film is a heartwarming and inspiring story of finding one’s true self and embracing one’s feelings. Barbie discovers that, in the midst of the human condition, she has more depth and complexity than she ever imagined. She realizes she can be anything she wants to be, and that feelings and emotions—good, bad, and everything in between—are crucial in not just being a human, but simply being. It’s an uncomplicated narrative, but one that needs to be told over and over again in many different ways.
For Gerwig, this is an exceptional execution of the story, and possibly the most natural, of the most famous doll in the world. Robbie gives a nuanced and charismatic performance that makes us root for Barbie every step of the way. Gosling is hilarious as Ken who undergoes his own transformation from a shallow accessory to a genuine identity.
Barbie is art that will make you laugh, cry, and think. It’s a project that challenges stereotypes and expectations while celebrating diversity and individuality. It’s a toy commercial that honors the legacy of an iconic doll while reinventing her for a new generation. And most importantly, it’s a film that reminds us that life in plastic can be fantastic, but life with feelings is even better.
Featured Image: BARBIE THE MOVIE (via Instagram)
