Barbie Movie Review: C'mon Barbie, let's do anxiety
After a night of line-dancing at her fuchsia-tinted DreamHouse at the ever-perfect Barbie Land, instinctively, Barbie is flooded with musings and sentiments that any decent, self-respecting woman of the 21st century would most certainly ponder over after a fun night with the girls: overwhelming existential angst. And that’s exactly what makes this film so darn good.
Me after watching #BarbieTheMovie pic.twitter.com/mfGmuJCqP7
— Evil Queen🔮 (@ashleyclairee) July 21, 2023
Greta Gerwig's Barbie is a dazzling meta-comedy that skillfully blends layers of celebration, critique, and satire into this inexplicable amalgamation of something so funny yet so poignant and telling, with the cherry of blockbuster cinema on top.
Directed by Gerwig and co-written with (just) Noah, the film begins at Barbie Land - a matriarchal society in all its fantastic plasticity where pastels reign supreme and sunshine dances with rainbows. At the heart of the story is Margot Robbie's Stereotypical Barbie - seemingly the most Barbie of all the Barbies.
Our eponymous icon and her fellow Barbies are self-confident, self-sufficient, and successful, holding important job positions and making the most of their perfect lives. Meanwhile, the Kens frolic aimlessly on the sidelines, their days defined by beach escapades and questionable decision-making (as any Ken should, of course).
With Gerwig's remarkable direction and some exceptional production design from Sarah Greenwood and Katie Spencer, Barbie Land in all its international pink shortage-inducing glory is one of the most intricately designed sets in recent memory.
From Barbie Land's pastel-coloured paradise to the immaculately designed costumes, the film captures the essence of Barbie's history while presenting it in a fresh and imaginative manner. This juxtaposition of familiar elements in and around this nigh-perfect utopia with fresh perspectives allows Barbie Land to be a celebration of the doll's legacy while also providing insightful social commentary.
However, Stereotypical Barbie's perfect life takes an unexpected turn when waking up one morning with bad breath, spoiled milk and a cold shower immediately throws her into an anxious spiral, growing acutely aware of her mortality, or even worse... flat feet and celluloid.
Whether she likes it or not, she must swap her pink heels for a dull pair of Birkenstocks and embark on a transformative journey to the real world in search of the child playing with her to set things right.
With Robbie’s performance, it's all in the eyes. Be it a very revealing first teardrop or a wide-eyed earnestness with which she marvels at a grimy construction site at lunchtime; Robbie breathes life into the lifeless.
And though Ryan Gosling’s metamorphosis from the mysterious, brooding sigma on the Internet, to the childlike foil to Barbie as Ken may steal her flame in their hilarious tete-a-tete; it is in the dynamics of their chemistry - playing off each other's strengths - that makes for one of the most entertaining on-screen duos we’ve had all year.
ALSO READ: Ryan Gosling is embracing Kenergy and breaking free from Sigma Male shackles. You should too
As Stereotypical Ken wades through the perplexing waters of patriarchal norms, his eyes are opened to a world that accepts and adores him. Ken’s masculine ‘awakening’ is Gosling at his finest self-awareness. It’s high time he ditched his enigmatic typecasts from the past and embraced his comedic potential to its fullest.
Ryan Gosling deserves an Oscar nomination for his role as Ken. And "I'm Just Ken" deserves one for Best Original Song.
— Tessa Smith - Mama's Geeky (@MamasGeeky) July 21, 2023
Just saying.#BarbieTheMovie pic.twitter.com/8mslYo0Zyn
And through a flamboyant, horse-obsessed man-child who’s just had a hypermasculine enlightenment to the joys of patriarchy - a role he professes he was “born to play” - Gosling takes jabs at himself, at his target demographic of basement subredditors and quite frankly, at every man, including myself who strolled into the theatre.
And that's where the essence of the film lies. Much like Gosling, the film successfully weaves together sincere feminist messages with barbed social satire, all while maintaining the carefree atmosphere of a lively, effervescent musical comedy.
The film cleverly explores the contradictions of Barbie's character and legacy. On the one hand, it celebrates Barbie as a symbol of empowerment, with the Barbies in Barbie Land excelling in various professions. On the other hand, it critiques the unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by the doll and the consumerist culture surrounding her that “set back the feminist movement by 50 years”.
Yet underneath the guise that mocks its very conception, Barbie takes the boldest leap in contemporary blockbuster cinema through a very real, very moving and extremely inflaming monologue that encapsulates the feminine experience, the very best it can. Who would have thought that one of the most telling pieces of feminist cinema would be produced by the company that brought you He-Man: Masters of the Universe and Hot Wheels?
Gerwig's own experiences as a director and her move away from the objectifying spotlight of the red carpet resonate in Barbie's character arc, symbolising the liberating journey of embracing one's true identity. The film cleverly acknowledges the contradictions inherent in critiquing capitalism from the perspective of a piece of merchandise while offering a nuanced exploration of one of the most contentious products in human history, that transcends mere commercialism.
As the dazzling whirlwind of events reaches its zenith, Barbie faces a moment of truth, seeking counsel from her very own creator, Ruth Handler. In this poignant encounter, Barbie discovers her story is one of boundless evolution, transcending her origins and embracing an ever-evolving history. It’s an unexpectedly heartfelt segment that will probably induce more than just a solitary first tear.
i cried so much watching #BarbieTheMovie never has a studio film so expertly explored the burden women carry in everyday life (in any role in their lives!) as a mother, a working woman, a woman (!!) i had a mini breakdown. this barbie is sad but so thankful for this film https://t.co/1PG8aSAsCE pic.twitter.com/gr1hXGpbnm
— kenzie xcx (@kenzvanunu) July 20, 2023
With its endearing performances and multilayered approach to complex themes, the film resonates with audiences of all ages, making it a triumph in the realm of modern commercial cinema. By embracing both the charm and controversies of Ruth Handler’s legacy of doll creation (and tax evasion), Gerwig successfully creates a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
So, yes, your kids should watch the most important blockbuster of the decade.
leaving the movies after laughing and crying during #BarbieTheMovie pic.twitter.com/nPZWXfYzmt
— deeply unserious siani (@_siyonce) July 21, 2023
While the film’s second half may feel slightly weighed down by its ambitious ideas, I couldn’t possibly care less. Barbie is a visually mesmerising masterpiece, a kaleidoscope of colour and imagination that celebrates the best while questioning the worst. She’s not just a doll; she's a symphony of identity, complexity, and unapologetic brilliance. But above all, she’s so much fun.
PS: We noticed you Allan. We love you Michael Cera.
We’re going with 4.5 out of 5 stars for Barbie.