a movie I didn’t plan on changing my life
The Barbie movie. If you haven’t seen it yet, you’ve certainly heard about it. Admittedly, I was talked into going. When I heard the words “Barbie” and “movie” together in a sentence, I made a couple of assumptions. First, that it was a movie for kids; and secondly, that it would be full of the usual tropes we see from Barbie. Fashion, glitz and glamor, living in a dream world, an unrealistic and shallow depiction of female empowerment. It just didn’t sound like my vibe.
And wow wow WOW, I was wrong. This movie absolutely blew me away in every conceivable way, from the absolute spectacle of the set design, to the incredible cast, and the incredible depth to the story’s message.
In the “Barbie” movie, directed by Greta Gerwig (known for “Lady Bird” and “Little Women”) and co-written by Noah Baumbach (known for “The Squid and the Whale” and “Marriage Story”), the story revolves around the iconic Barbie character, portrayed flawlessly by Margot Robbie.
In the alternate world of Barbie Land, Barbie begins to doubt her seemingly perfect existence. This doubt causes a rift between Barbie Land and the real world, leading Barbie to leave her female-dominated universe to explore the real world. Here, she discovers that women have not achieved the same positions of strength and empowerment they have in her native existence. The comedic conflict arises from the clash of the two planes, but the film’s primary focus is on exploring gender roles and societal expectations.
One of the key revelations comes from Barbie’s on-again-off-again boyfriend, Ken (played by Ryan Gosling). He becomes aware of the disproportionate power that men hold in the real world compared to Barbie Land, where the Kens are relegated to peripheral roles. Ken’s realization triggers a transformation in Barbie Land, turning it into a world dominated by toxic masculinity, which the film humorously refers to as “Kendom Land.”
Throughout the movie, the Barbies find themselves facing a host of challenges, but they manage to resolve their world’s issues through a clever subterfuge that plays on the easily flattered egos of the doltish Kens. While the film delivers a strong commentary on gender roles, it also incorporates elements of comedy, satire, and social commentary, providing a mix of entertainment and thought-provoking messages.
In addition to its societal exploration and messages of empowerment, the Barbie movie delves into deeper philosophical themes that left a lasting impression on me. Through Barbie’s journey, the film touches on what it means to create and be created. It delves into the realm of spirituality, prompting thought-provoking questions about meeting one’s maker and the purpose of existence. As I watched the film, I found myself contemplating the meaning of life and what it truly means to be human. These profound themes add layers of complexity to the story, making “Barbie” more than just an entertaining movie and joyous spectacle; it becomes a thought-provoking exploration of identity and purpose.
The supporting cast includes America Ferrera as Gloria, who delivers a powerful speech about the double standards women face daily. Ariana Greenblatt portrays Sasha, Gloria’s daughter, representing today’s generation of teenagers searching for connection. Michael Cera plays Allan, a character with subtle and hysterical moments.
In this article, I will talk about my impression of these themes and discuss how the film manages to balance social commentary with philosophical depth, creating a unique and enriching cinematic experience. I will share my personal reflections on how “Barbie” resonated with me on a deeper level and how it opened up a space for introspection and discussion about our roles in society and our understanding of ourselves as individuals.
*WARNING* The rest of this article will contain SPOILERS for the Barbie movie. Please go see it if you haven’t already – you won’t regret it.
the absurdity of gender roles
The “Barbie” movie brilliantly places gender roles in the hot seat, exposing their complexities and absurdities through a thought-provoking and satirical lens. When Barbie ventures into the real world, her perfect existence is shattered as she encounters sexism for the first time, realizing that women have not been empowered in the ways she imagined. On the other hand, Ken stumbles upon the concept of patriarchy and, hurt by Barbie’s rejection, seeks to take over Barbie Land, believing that the real world hasn’t “properly” implemented patriarchy.
Throughout the film, the audience is treated to hilariously exaggerated gender stereotypes. Men are shown to love horses, beer, and mini fridges, while women are portrayed as overly concerned with their looks, even when they are undeniably beautiful. However, instead of reinforcing these stereotypes, the movie skillfully uses satire to deconstruct them, revealing their inherent absurdity and challenging societal expectations.
Both male and female characters in the film undergo empowering transformations as they break free from their assigned roles. Barbie, once confined to her picture-perfect existence, becomes a multifaceted character with growth and agency. She defies societal expectations and embraces her authentic self, transcending the limitations imposed on her by her original design as a toy. Ken’s journey is equally significant, as he evolves from a clueless, peripheral figure to one with self-awareness and independence, learning to challenge and reject toxic masculinity and get in touch with his true feelings.
By humorously presenting exaggerated gender roles, the film effectively invites its audience to question and reflect on the absurdities of such stereotypes. It highlights the importance of individuality and authenticity, encouraging viewers to embrace their true selves without the constraints of gender norms.
In a world where gender roles have long been rigidly defined, “Barbie” serves as a powerful statement on the need for change. It challenges the notion that certain traits or behaviors should be inherently tied to one’s gender, and instead celebrates diversity and individuality. The film encourages us to dismantle the confines of gender expectations and fosters a sense of empowerment for everyone to be who they truly are, free from societal pressures.
the role of a mother, and what it means to be a woman
In the ethereal glow of the silver screen, the Barbie movie dared to delve into the depths of womanhood, unearthing the paradoxes and struggles unique to each woman’s journey. From systemic sexism to the haunting specter of unwarranted advances from men, every facet of womanhood was laid bare, a stark reflection of the battles fought on a daily basis.
Amidst the tapestry of tales, a poignant thread of motherhood unfurled—a bond between Gloria and Sasha, once entwined in the sweetness of childhood, now navigating the tumultuous waters of teenage years. Like a symphony of emotions, their relationship danced through highs and lows, as Gloria longed for the innocence and affection of her little girl, now seemingly outgrown. Such is the paradox of motherhood, where the role of “best person on the planet” transforms into the uncertainty of being perceived as the “worst” in the eyes of one’s own child.
Yet, amidst the trials, Gloria found the courage and cause to break free from her shell and save Barbie from her misery, revealing vulnerability and a newfound fierceness that her daughter, Sasha, admired. This transformation proved to be the key that unlocked the doors of connection between them, a testament to the power of embracing one’s true self. As Gloria basked in her authenticity—unapologetically “crazy, dark, and weird”—a bridge formed, rekindling the precious bond between mother and daughter. It was a testament to the age-old wisdom that embracing one’s true self is the path to genuine connection with others.
And in the heart-stirring climax, Ruth, the creator herself, bestowed a profound revelation upon Barbie—a mother’s work is to stand still, paving the way for her daughters to embrace boundless opportunities and prosperity. The words reverberated through the ages, an anthem of female empowerment, resonating with the battles still fought today to break free from oppression and misogyny.
The Barbie movie, in its daring exploration of womanhood’s complexities, unveiled the multi-dimensional experiences that women encounter daily. It painted an unfiltered canvas of life’s struggles, a tapestry of vulnerability, strength, and resilience woven together. And amidst the poignant stories of mothers and daughters, it reminded us of the power of embracing our authentic selves as the key to unlocking connection and understanding.
As I left the theater, the echoes of these powerful narratives lingered within me, a profound appreciation for the struggles and triumphs that define the essence of womanhood. The Barbie movie dared to be a voice for those experiences, an anthem of hope and empowerment for a future where daughters can soar beyond the limitations of the past. It was a testament to the enduring spirit of women, united by the bonds of shared experiences, as they continue to carve their paths and embrace the beauty of their authentic selves.
what was I made for?
I’ve touched on this topic before, in one of my early posts, “searching for life’s purpose.” What I didn’t expect was for the Barbie movie of all possible films to bring me to tears with its portrayal of this human experience. Little did I know that within this seemingly lighthearted tale of a beloved doll, an emotional odyssey of the human experience would be unveiled.
Barbie, usually confined to the scripted lines of her doll existence, found herself fleeing from the destiny that had been carved for her. As she raced through the sprawling Mattel Corporation building, an enigmatic room caught her eye, tucked away like a hidden treasure. And within its walls stood none other than her creator, Ruth Handler, portrayed with warmth and grace by Rhea Pearlman. Unaware of Ruth’s true identity, Barbie found herself enveloped in a moment of mindfulness and tranquility, as Ruth extended a cup of tea—a symbol of humanity’s simple pleasures.
As Barbie’s journey unfolded, and Barbie Land was freed from the clutches of patriarchal curses, Sasha questioned the ending that awaited our plastic heroine. Uncertainty gripped Barbie’s heart as she mused over her place in this ever-shifting world, uncertain of her purpose and belonging. And then, in a surreal twist, the spirit of Ruth made her presence known, a sage voice echoing through the fabric of time. Barbie, much like us, was meant to be the master of her destiny—a tapestry of endings woven by the boundless loom of imagination. This revelation drew parallels with our own human experience, where the vast landscape of choices could overwhelm us, leaving us adrift and searching for belonging in the vast expanse of existence and possibilities.
With hearts full of anticipation, we bore witness to Barbie’s transformative ending. Choosing to walk alongside her creator, Barbie embraced a path that transcended her molded fate. Seeking permission to be more than the plastic she was made of, Ruth’s response struck chords of liberation in our souls: “You don’t need my permission.” It spoke of the autonomy we possess, the power to shatter the confines of societal norms and embrace the vastness of our potential. In a poignant revelation, Barbie dared to question, “You mean, I don’t have to ask or even want to be a human, it’s just something I discover I am?”
“You mean, I don’t have to ask or even want to be a human, it’s just something I discover I am?”
This moment, and the film itself, was a stunning portrayal of the loss of childhood innocence. In the beginning scenes, Barbie is perfect, happy, and untouched from the troubles of the world until thoughts of mortality and insecurity overwhelm her. As Barbie and the little girls’ imaginations she represents progress throughout their life journeys, we discover the world’s imperfections and the suffering of all humans, including ourselves. How tenderly her words mirrored our own journey of self-discovery, as we awaken to the limitations of our worldly existence and seek to uncover the true essence of our being and nature of our existence.
And in the climactic moment, when Barbie grasped Ruth’s hands, a symphony of life ignited. Her once lifeless pupils dilated to truly see, her heart thrummed with the rhythm of existence, and her lungs danced to the ethereal cadence of breath. The screen came alive with a breathtaking montage—images of birth, the unfettered joy of childhood, the embrace of parenthood, and the simplicity of life’s most profound moments. And as the ethereal and haunting melody of Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” caressed our ears, my tears poured forth uncontrollably, a testament to the poignant beauty and fragility of the human experience. It was a revelation—a reminder that life is a gift bestowed upon us, whether we want it or not, beckoning us to cherish each fleeting moment and decide the destiny of our existence.
In this unexpected masterpiece, the portrayal of the human experience left me awe-inspired, moved to tears by the sheer magnificence of life’s enigma. It reminded me that we are all creators of our own endings, shaping the tapestry of our existence with the brushstrokes of choice and purpose. And as I left the theater, the echo of Barbie’s journey lingered within me, a powerful invitation to savor the beauty of being human and to embrace the boundless potential that resides within each of us.
bravo, Greta Gerwig
In hindsight, knowing how impactful and profound this film was, I’m embarrassed to admit that I was practically dragged into the theater. This film, truly, was one of the most beautiful pieces of art that I’ve seen in years. From the loss of innocence as we navigate the journey of life, to the exploration of gender roles and the relentless spirit of women breaking free from societal confines, each thread weaved together a poignant narrative.
Amidst the vibrant colors of the film, the theme of motherhood emerged as a tender undercurrent, capturing the profound bond between mothers and daughters—a dance of growth, transformation, and unbreakable love. As Gloria and Sasha traversed the delicate terrain of adolescence, we were reminded of the ever-changing dynamics between parent and child, where nurturing souls evolve into formidable spirits, longing for connection amidst the ebb and flow of life’s currents.
The movie’s unapologetic portrayal of gender roles unveiled the absurdity of stereotypes, serving as a mirror to society’s flaws and a beacon of hope for change. With humor and satire, it revealed the complexities women face, breaking through patriarchal barriers, and embracing their authentic selves to forge genuine connections with others.
Through Barbie’s unexpected journey from plastic doll to sentient being, we were confronted with the profound question of the meaning of life. As she walked hand in hand with her creator, Ruth, the essence of existence unraveled before us. Life, a precious gift, bestowed upon us with boundless possibilities. Each one of us, like Barbie, holds the power to shape our destiny, to discover our purpose, and to leave an indelible mark on the world.
As the credits rolled and the theater lights flickered, I was left with a profound sense of contemplation. The Barbie movie, seemingly a lighthearted tale, proved to be a profound reflection on the human journey. It echoed the loss of innocence that accompanies growing up, the transformative power of authenticity in shattering the chains of gender roles, and the timeless bond between mothers and daughters. Above all, it celebrated the enduring spirit of women, resilient souls who continue to rise, breaking barriers, and embracing their true selves.
In the end, the movie beckoned us to ponder the very essence of life’s meaning. It reminded us that life’s canvas is a vast expanse of choices and endings, where the choices we make and the paths we tread define the legacy we leave behind. As we journey through this mysterious gift known as life, let us embrace our true selves, break free from societal constraints and prescribed fates, and cherish the precious bonds that weave our human tapestry. Let us celebrate the enduring spirit of women, their strength, their courage, and their ability to inspire change. And above all, let us savor the beauty of existence itself, for within it lies the power to create our own destinies and leave a lasting imprint on the world we inhabit.
I am endlessly grateful to the creators Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach for bringing this film into the collective consciousness. At a time where we stand on the precipice of modernity and meaning, this film asks us to simply be. And that is wondrous.
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