It is rare when a film is an absolute whirlwind, one that brings millions together to watch an hour and fifty-four minute flick filled with vibrant pink hues, dozens of famous actors and actresses, a pop-infused soundtrack, and a strong message about gender inequality. The film of the summer, Barbie, has grossed over one billion dollars at the time of this article.
Barbie follows Margot Robbie as Stereotypical Barbie, living in perfect harmony with all of the other Barbies and Kens (and Allan) in dreamy “Barbie Land.” However, not everything is as it seems when Barbie goes into an existential crisis, sending her on a trek into the “Real World” with Ken (Ryan Gosling) to find the person her doll belongs to. On this journey, Barbie learns about the joys and struggles of womanhood and humanity, and that life in plastic is anything but fantastic.
This review contains spoilers.
Robbie is excellent, portraying the innocence and growth of Stereotypical Barbie beautifully. She transforms from a plastic doll into a woman and learns important lessons about female objectification, self-esteem, and the world’s imperfections. Gosling was just as fantastic as Ken, bringing the humor, heart, and theatrical talent his role warranted. He hilariously and effectively showcased how men are corrupted by toxic masculinity and patriarchy, needing to lead and take charge in order to be “Kenough.” Both leads went above and beyond with their roles, and their performances make it clear this effort was worth it.
America Ferrera plays Gloria, a mother desperately trying to connect with her teenage daughter Sasha(Ariana Greenblatt) through their past mutual interest—Barbies. But, when Gloria’s emotions seep into Robbie’s Barbie, she tags along on an adventure to relive her youth and connect with Sasha. Ferrera’s monologue about motherhood and the impossible standards women are held to is a standout moment and resonant with anyone familiar with the trials of being a woman. Her character was beautifully crafted, and Ferrera has earned her laurels.
The set design of Barbie is stunning, with handpainted sets and intricate detail in every scene. The plastic ocean, lack of water in the dreamhouse, outfits in Barbie’s closet, and sequence from Barbie Land into the Real World; everything is tacky yet material. The team used practical effects and even caused a shortage of pink paint from Rosco, which supplies paints and tints to the entertainment industry. All of this was done to turn Barbie Land from fantasy into reality. The abundance of easter eggs to the various Barbies over the years made my inner child very happy and added to the immersion of “Barbie Land.”
Barbie’s soundtrack is expertly tailored, each song perfectly fitting the scene it is featured in. Some personal favorites are “Dance The Night” by Dua Lipa, “Barbie World” by Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice, “Speed Drive” by Charlie XCX, “What Was I Made For?” by Billie Eilish, and “I’m Just Ken” by Ryan Gosling. The score is symphonic, with brass, strings, and keys creating its marvelous instrumentals. Both albums are incredible listens in their own right and make the sound of Barbie one to remember.
Barbie shares the message of the Barbie brand. “You can be anything” is the tagline, yet societal standards make it difficult to believe that is true. Oppression, due to gender, race, sexuality, age, and ability, has made the world less equal than ever. Barbie illustrates that in order for true equality to exist, everyone needs a place to thrive, with no one feeling alienated or unimportant. This may seem overused, but Barbie uses this trope in a way that is fresh and unique, showcasing the ways in which the world hasn’t learned since Barbie was created.
Barbie is worth watching. Greta Gerwig struck home again, turning a film about a doll into a blockbuster with a beautiful human core. Eclectic and extravagant, Barbie sometimes takes on more than it can chew, with the end result of a wonderfully made film the world will be talking about for years to come.