Barbie: Beyond Female Empowerment

Barbie has become a major cultural icon in the past 6 decades, to the point her purpose continues to spark debate today. Some will insist her existence is to instill empowerment in young girls, and encourage them to dream of becoming anything they want. Others continue to consider her impossible physical features and overpriced accessories, as a fashion-driven airhead.

Enter Greta Gerwig’s Barbie movie.

The film opens up in the middle of any Barbie lover’s imagination: Barbieland. A world completely constructed and governed by Barbie Dolls. The whole town is literally painted pink, and every female doll holds a prominent position, from doctor to president. Where are the Kens? Just idling standing by waiting to be used when called upon.

Stereotypical Barbie (Margot Robbie) gives the audience a run through a day in the life at Barbieland. The direction and acting completely mimic the imagination of a Barbie enthusiast: Barbie gliding through her dream house, showering with no real water, and enjoying her perfect breakfast constructed out of plastic. She then floats down into her car and drives down to the beach, while waving to everyone female doll in town. Once at the beach, we meet Ken (Gosling) and his willingness to impress Barbie and win her affection. After a fun day of frolicking, Stereotypical Barbie hosts a blowout party and for the first time in her life she experiences thoughts that are unlike of any Barbie. She begins questioning her existence, and embarks on a quest to discover the root of her discomfort by entering the real world (our living world).

Barbie is expecting the real world to replicate Barbieland, or even praise for her purpose of creation, but soon learns it is the opposite of her expectations.

Barbie is a very comical film, as it should be when you consider the casting. Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, Kirsten Wiig, and Will Ferrell are just to name a few. I felt Robbie played Stereotypical Barbie perfectly with her radiantly infectious smile we have all come to enjoy with Harley Quinn. Gosling’s contribution with his musical background added an unexpected twist of pizzazz to the film. Furthermore, his portrayal of Ken was humorous and accurate for a doll in Barbieland, who has no power or authority. Kirsten Wiig’s brand of comedy added a dark tinge to the film, but threw a heartwarming spotlight on a doll that every collector had at one point due to any kind of over play, or unwanted mishaps. Will Ferrell added his spice of slapstick, which Ferrell fans may enjoy, while others may just find annoying. It was similar to Buddy the Elf from his holiday film.

Many may wonder how serious can a film about a doll bursting into the real world could be, but truthfully, it is loaded with many essential messages. Mattel, the executive producer of the film, wanted to ensure the vision of Barbie was portrayed in the film, which may be why the audience continues to hear the purpose of Barbie’s creation. However, Gerwig may have had additional reasons for creating the film, stretching beyond female empowerment. There’s a speech shared by one of the prominent characters that resonants with every woman in the audience to the point it garnered an applause. Finally, there is also one particular scene in the film which features an elderly woman who confidently smiles, aware of how beautiful she is. Against the demands of the producers, Gerwig kept the scene in the film, claiming it to be the heart of the production, which hold truth in itself.

I thoroughly enjoyed the film and would encourage anyone to watch it. I believe it has become one of the most anticipated films of 2023.