You’d think in a world of plastic life would be fantastic; however, the new Barbie movie is portraying a much different narrative.
Starring Margot Robbie as the iconic Mattel doll, Barbie, and Ryan Gosling as Ken, the hit film is shining a new light on real-world problems underneath its bright pink point of view.
As the movie begins, we’re welcomed into the picture-perfect world we all know and love, Barbieland, lined with hot pink Barbie dream houses and scenic beaches. The incredible sets and imagery really immerse you into the film, as if you were a kid playing with your Barbie doll for the first time. The attention to detail is remarkable, and every scene feels like a miniature work of art.
However, not everything appears to be as good as it seems. A visit to Kate McKinnon’s Weird Barbie reveals that a wormhole has opened between this world and the next. Now, our fairytale heroine must take a ride to reality, accompanied by Stowaway Ken, to save BarbieLand for good.
Barbie’s trip to the real world comes as a shock when she soon realizes that the real world is run by patriarchy, as opposed to Barbieland’s matriarchal society; however, for Ken, this is a revelation. Ken’s experience with the patriarchal system is positive as he feels respected for the first time. Returning to Barbieland, he persuades the other Kens to take over, and the Barbies are indoctrinated into submissive roles, such as agreeable girlfriends, housewives, and maids.
I was thoroughly surprised by the impactful themes and morals this movie held. Behind all the pink coating, the film begins to show perspective, of how women are perceived and treated in our society, and the rooted systemic issues we tend to ignore. Unlike any movie I’ve seen before, the audience is provided with a fun and interesting analogy of how society would be if it was the other way around and women were the ones holding the most power; however, due to the Kens’ it’s stripped away from them.
In order to restore their power for good, the Barbies’ face off against the Kens with none other than a musical score “beach-off.” Battling to gain back their power, the Barbies win for good, reinstating their jobs as presidents, lawmakers, and prominent figures.
Throughout the movie, I couldn’t help but notice the killer soundtrack featuring the likes of Lizzo, Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, and even Gosling himself. From Dua Lipa’s hit song “Dance the Night Away,” which will make you want to get out of your seat and start dancing to Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For,” which will undoubtedly cause a waterfall of tears; the soundtrack perfectly captured the highs and lows of the film.
However, it wasn’t just the music and sets that brought the film together, but also the actors’ exceptional performances. Bringing the iconic doll to the big screen was not an easy feat, but thanks to the incredible performance by Margot Robbie I couldn’t imagine anyone else in the role. Barbie’s actions don’t just inspire her friends in the movie; they also inspire us as viewers to be better individuals. Her determination to make a positive impact on the lives of others shows us that even the smallest acts of kindness and empathy can create ripples of positivity around us. It reminds us that we all have the power to influence our surroundings and be a force for good.
Barbie’s latest cinematic adventure weaves a compelling narrative of empowerment and inclusion that leaves a positive impact on audiences of all ages.
