At first glance, Barbie seemed like it would be light comedy, a kitschy parade of colors and clichés. But Greta Gerwig delivers something far more interesting. The film tries to be many things at once: satire, pop fairy tale, musical, feminist reflection, even a technicolor group therapy session. It doesn’t always succeed, but when it does, it leaves a mark.
Margot Robbie shines with a mix of innocence and awareness, playing a doll who begins to ask uncomfortable questions about the world around her. Ryan Gosling, meanwhile, steals every scene as a Ken stuck between inflated ego and awkward tenderness. Their chemistry holds together even the wildest parts of the script.
What’s most surprising is how the film shifts from absurd humor to deep commentary without warning. There’s one scene—if you’ve seen it, you know—which hits hard for both what it says and how it says it. The message can feel repetitive at times, but it’s refreshing to see it spoken with courage and clarity.
Not everything works. Some parts feel forced, others too obvious. But this is the kind of movie that sticks with you, sparks conversation, and doesn’t vanish after the credits roll. And these days, that’s already a win.
Gerwig plays with fire, and though she doesn’t always control the flame, she’s made Barbie part of the cultural conversation again—for reasons very different than before.
Greta Gerwig had a matured take on this childhood fantasy concept that pierces through the adult's heart. Barbie unravels the facade of multiple gender revolutionism over the years, which technically never solved the underlying problems within ourselves and the society. Just like other films created by Gerwig (ie Lady Bird and Little Women), this film focuses on women empowerment and eventually how women rise above adversities. It's not your typical Barbie film but expect that it resonates the kind of visuals you will see in those films - fabulous production sets and costumes, toy-like backdrops and flying glitters. Screenwriting was spot on and well-thought of, making it very relevant to most people, specially those having an existential crisis. Musical score suits the film very well although I didn't quite like the transitions from one scene to another as I felt like it was done very abruptly. Nonetheless, this film taught me that I am kenough and I can be who ever I wanted to be, as any Barbie should be.
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