When Barbie (Margot Robbie) wakes up one morning to burnt toast, expired milk, and flat feet, she realizes that she’s in the middle of an existential crisis–something Barbie shouldn’t have to experience. As she ventures into the real world from Barbie Land, she finds that the policies in which she believed to be the norm don’t really exist. Now plagued by the patriarchy and struggling to understand her worth, Barbie and the other Barbies must try to understand the meaning of their existence and bring balance to both Barbie Land and the real world.
How the fuck is this going to make more money than Oppenheimer?
That’s sort of a rhetorical question; I’m not at all surprised really that it’s going to make more money than a film about an atomic bomb–but there’s absolutely no reason why it should. I went into the film expecting a shit show, a politically and socially driven film about stereotypes and the abomination that is man–and that’s exactly what happened in Barbie. I think we are to a point in cinematic history where politics are going to make its way into film, most films–and I think I’ve finally come to accept this reality (but that doesn’t mean I have to like it). Barbie is just a film about politics and social conventions–nothing more, nothing less.
Director Greta Gerwig made a name for herself with films like Lady Bird and Little Women, films that explored the themes of feminism and womanhood. They are much smaller productions than Barbie, and Gerwig’s indie touch led them both to great success. She attempted to bring with her a woke agenda and a feminist narrative that doesn’t fit here, that feels out of place and forced. Gerwig is a talented director, there’s no doubt about that, but she’s out of her depth here. There’s nothing mind-boggling about the cinematography, the lighting, or the direction as a whole–Barbie simply (and aggressively) exists.
I’m obviously frustrated with the not-so-hidden narrative, and it steals from some potentially enjoyable moments throughout Barbie–but the story itself is boring. Barbie is so full of exposition that it’s not really until about the hour-and-a-half mark that the purpose of the story is finally revealed. We get glimpses along the way, but the story is ultimately boring. With so much build up I had hoped for something bigger at the end, not the poorly written climax or the series of absurdities that plagued the final act–and it wasn’t worth the wait.
Oppenheimer seemed to cast every major actor available in Hollywood, however, Barbie seemed to find everyone that was left (and I mean this in the best way possible). This cast is incredible. From Robbie to Ryan Gosling (Ken) and Alexandra Shipp (Barbie) to Kingsley Ben-Adir (Ken), everyone carries themselves well through this film. I don’t think there’s any way to write a Barbie film without the characters being cheesy, and bringing that element to life can be challenging–every actor delivers.
With all of my negativity toward Barbie, I actually believe that there are a couple of Academy Awards in its future. Viewers feel like they are literally transported to Barbie Land–and the set and costume designs are what make this possible. The vibrant beauty that extends itself throughout the entirety of Barbie is impeccable, some of the best I’ve ever seen in this regard. Even if nothing else were to work for you in this film, I guarantee that this will tickle your fancy and allow you develop some sort of appreciation for Barbie.
I don’t think anyone who knows me is surprised by how I feel about Barbie–I know I wasn’t surprised. Gerwig tried to bring all of her usual ideas with her, and on paper that looks great–but in practice everything is out of place, forced, and infuriating. There are things that I appreciate about Barbie for sure: the acting, set design, and costume design. These things play out wonderfully, and I truly believe that they deserve recognition. However, at its core, Barbie is a bad film.
Directed by Greta Gerwig.
Written by Greta Gerwig & Noah Baumbach.
Starring Margot Robbit, Ryan Gosling, Issa Rae, Kate McKinnon, Alexandra Shipp, Emma Mackey, Sharon Rooney, Ana Cruz Kayne, Ritu Arya, Dua Lipa, Nicola Coughlan, Emerald Fennell, Simu Liu, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Ncuti Gatwa, Scott Evans, John Cena, Michael Cera, America Ferrera, Ariana Greenblatt, Rhea Pearlman, Helen Mirren, Will Ferrell, Connor Swindellis, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
