The 2023 Barbie movie, directed by Greta Gerwig, stands as a refreshing and unexpected exploration of femininity, identity, and societal expectations wrapped in a vibrant, playful package. While Barbie has long been associated with pink plastic dolls and a seemingly perfect life, Gerwig’s vision reimagines this cultural icon in a way that is both thought-provoking and entertaining. Through its clever narrative, bold performances, and underlying feminist themes, the film surprises viewers with a depth that goes beyond the surface of a toy world.
At first glance, the idea of a Barbie movie might seem like a risky endeavor, particularly for those who view the doll as a symbol of unrealistic beauty standards. Since her debut in 1959, Barbie has been the subject of numerous debates about body image, gender roles, and consumerism. Over the decades, she’s been accused of promoting an unattainable image of perfection, often reinforcing traditional female stereotypes. However, this film embraces these critiques while also flipping them on their head. Gerwig manages to take what could have been a simple, glossy feature and turns it into a layered satire that reflects modern conversations around gender and identity.
The movie follows Margot Robbie as Barbie, the iconic doll who lives in Barbieland, a utopian society where all Barbies are confident, successful, and independent. Everything in Barbieland is meticulously perfect, from the sun always shining to the constant stream of positivity radiating from the characters. It’s an idyllic world where the Barbies have all the power, and the Kens, led by Ryan Gosling’s Ken, are reduced to being mere accessories. The visual aesthetic of Barbieland is deliberately exaggerated, with pastel colors, surreal sets, and an abundance of pink—an intentional nod to the artificial and manufactured nature of Barbie’s world. This hyper-stylized setting sets the tone for the film’s exploration of fantasy versus reality.
The plot takes an unexpected turn when Barbie starts experiencing an existential crisis. She begins to question her seemingly flawless existence, leading her to embark on a journey of self-discovery. This shift in the narrative is where the movie truly shines, as it explores themes of identity, self-worth, and the pressure to conform to societal expectations. The film cleverly juxtaposes the perfect world of Barbieland with the messiness of the real world, as Barbie finds herself navigating human emotions, flaws, and imperfections.
Robbie’s portrayal of Barbie is both charming and poignant. She strikes a delicate balance between embodying the stereotypical image of Barbie while also bringing depth and vulnerability to the character. Robbie captures the internal conflict of a figure that has long been seen as a one-dimensional symbol of beauty and perfection, yet is now grappling with the complexities of real-world issues. Through her performance, Barbie becomes more than just a doll—she becomes a symbol of the universal human experience of searching for meaning and authenticity in a world that often prioritizes appearance over substance.
Ryan Gosling’s Ken, on the other hand, provides much of the film’s comedic relief. His portrayal of Ken as an oblivious, yet endearing, sidekick who yearns for validation from Barbie is both hilarious and heartbreaking. Gosling plays up the absurdity of Ken’s role in Barbieland, highlighting how his identity is entirely dependent on his relationship with Barbie. This dynamic serves as a clever commentary on the traditional gender roles that have long been associated with the Barbie brand. In Barbieland, the roles are reversed, with the Kens being marginalized and defined solely by their relationship to the Barbies. This inversion of power dynamics offers a satirical look at the ways in which women have historically been portrayed in media and society.
One of the most surprising aspects of Barbie is its feminist undertones. While the film is undoubtedly fun and lighthearted, it also addresses serious issues surrounding gender equality, body image, and the expectations placed on women. Gerwig, who has established herself as a strong voice in feminist cinema with films like Lady Bird and Little Women, uses the Barbie movie as a platform to challenge the notion of what it means to be a woman in today’s world. The film critiques the unrealistic standards that women are often held to, both in terms of appearance and behavior, while also celebrating the diversity and complexity of womanhood.
One of the film’s most poignant moments comes when Barbie, now in the real world, confronts the harsh realities of gender inequality. No longer in the safety of Barbieland, where women are in control, she is faced with the everyday sexism that many women experience. This contrast between the fantasy of Barbieland and the reality of the outside world underscores the film’s critique of the societal pressures that women face. Gerwig doesn’t shy away from addressing these issues head-on, yet she does so with humor and wit, ensuring that the film remains accessible to a wide audience.
Another notable aspect of the film is its subversion of the traditional “happily ever after” narrative. While many would expect a movie about Barbie to end with the titular character finding her perfect prince or living out a fairytale ending, Gerwig takes a different approach. Barbie’s journey is not about finding love or achieving perfection; instead, it’s about finding herself. The film emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and self-discovery, encouraging viewers to embrace their imperfections and reject societal expectations. This message is particularly powerful in a world where social media and consumer culture often promote an unattainable image of perfection.
The supporting cast of the film also adds depth to the narrative. America Ferrera’s character, Gloria, serves as a grounding force for Barbie as she navigates the complexities of the real world. Ferrera delivers a moving performance as a mother struggling to reconcile her own identity while raising her daughter in a society that often diminishes women’s worth. Her character’s monologue about the contradictions of being a woman in today’s world—being expected to be strong yet soft, ambitious yet nurturing—resonates as one of the most memorable and impactful moments of the film. It’s a powerful reminder of the double standards that women continue to face, and it adds a layer of emotional depth to the otherwise whimsical narrative.
The film’s script, co-written by Gerwig and Noah Baumbach, is sharp and full of wit. The dialogue is packed with clever one-liners and cultural references, making it both humorous and thought-provoking. The humor is often self-referential, poking fun at the absurdity of Barbie’s world while also acknowledging the criticisms that have been leveled against the brand over the years. This self-awareness is one of the film’s greatest strengths, as it allows the audience to engage with the material on multiple levels. Whether you’re a fan of Barbie or a critic, the film offers something for everyone.
Visually, the film is a feast for the eyes. The production design is intentionally over-the-top, with every frame filled with vibrant colors and larger-than-life sets. The attention to detail in recreating Barbieland is impressive, from the perfectly manicured lawns to the plastic-looking furniture. The costumes, designed by Jacqueline Durran, are also a standout element of the film. Each Barbie and Ken is dressed in outfits that are both nostalgic and modern, paying homage to the different iterations of the dolls over the years while also giving them a fresh, contemporary look. The overall aesthetic of the film is playful and exaggerated, which only adds to the satirical nature of the narrative.
While the film is largely a success, it’s not without its flaws. Some viewers may find the plot to be somewhat predictable, particularly in its exploration of feminist themes. While the film’s message is important and timely, it doesn’t necessarily break new ground in terms of its commentary on gender and identity. Additionally, the film’s pacing can feel uneven at times, with certain scenes dragging on longer than necessary. However, these minor issues do little to detract from the overall impact of the film.