Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” movie takes audiences on a rumbustious journey through the life of a stereotypical doll experiencing an atypical existential crisis. With its delightful mix of eye candy, sharp costumes, exceptional writing, and outstanding performances from Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, the film offers a captivating 114-minute experience filled with thought-provoking questions and mesmerizing effects.
Director and Cast
Director: Greta Gerwig
Starring: Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, Rhea Perlman, Will Ferrell
Storyline: Barbie, portrayed by Margot Robbie, leads a perfect life in Barbieland, surrounded by other Barbies, and finds joy in her relationship with boyfriend Ken (Ryan Gosling). However, her flawless existence takes an unexpected turn when she starts displaying human-like traits, including cellulite and thoughts of mortality. Barbie’s world is no longer as perfect as it once seemed.
Unable to understand the changes in Stereotypical Barbie, her fellow Barbies advise her to seek help from Weird Barbie (Kate McKinnon). Weird Barbie suggests that the only way to uncover the root of her emotional turmoil is to venture into the real world and find the child who plays with her, whose feelings may be affecting Barbie’s experiences.
Barbie embarks on a journey to Los Angeles, accompanied by Ken, to explore the real world. There, they encounter Gloria (America Ferrera), an employee at Mattel, the company behind the creation of Barbie. Gloria is facing her own existential crisis, struggling with feeling undervalued at work while dealing with her daughter Sasha’s (Ariana Greenblatt) constant conflicts.
Meanwhile, the CEO of Mattel (Will Ferrell) learns about Barbie’s presence in the real world and orders his executives to find her and lock her away in the ‘Box.’ The film, co-written by Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach, is described as “anarchic, unhinged, and humanist,” combining elements of authentic artificiality from musicals, making it a heartfelt homage to the journey of growth.
Exploring the Real World
Barbie’s transition from her pink, frothy world to the real world is a whimsical adventure, embracing the boundless possibilities of one’s imagination. In this realm, one can be anyone they desire, with different careers, magical houses, and instant costume changes. The movie playfully showcases various iterations of Barbie, including President Barbie (Issa Rae), Dr. Barbie (Hari Nef), Physicist Barbie (Emma Mackey), and Mermaid Barbie (Dua Lipa), all inspired by real dolls.
Ruth Handler (Rhea Perlman), the creator of the Barbie doll, even makes a cameo appearance, inspiring Barbie to desire creative ideas rather than being a mere product of someone’s imagination. Helen Mirren’s narration adds both gravitas and playfulness to the film.
Visual Splendor and Captivating Music
The film’s costumes, designed by Jacqueline Durran, exude jollity, perfectly complementing the enchanting musical score featuring songs from Nicki Minaj, Billie Eilish, PinkPantheress, Tame Impala, and Ryan Gosling and Dua Lipa from the cast. Gerwig successfully captures Barbie’s inherent contradictions, infusing her with a sparkly, shiny, and warm visual charm.
In conclusion, “Barbie” is a must-see movie that not only brings joy and entertainment but also ponders the complexities of identity and existence. With its brilliant execution and standout performances, the film leaves a lasting impact on audiences. Step into the enchanting world of Barbie, and experience a thrilling adventure that transcends the boundaries of imagination.
The film is currently running in theaters, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in Barbie’s unforgettable journey.
