Barbie (2023)

Barbie has many things working in its favor. Greta Gerwig had proven in her previous work that the film was in good hands. The two leads couldn't have been better cast. The property is instantly recognizable, with a built-in history. And the film was centered around a strong core feminist identity.

Much of this bears out on screen. Gerwig brings the world to life with color and comedy, never missing a chance to slip in a joke or a bit of commentary. Barbieland is wonderfully created; the sets have a distinct presence to them which suggests a strong physical element to filming as opposed to an overreliance on digital effects and composition.

The first act of the film is strong. All the Kens are lampooned hilariously, with their machismo and need for attention put directly in our comedic crosshairs. Margot Robbie fantastically plays the usually chipper but uncharacteristically moody Barbie. The concept of connecting Barbie's experience to that of the individual playing with her was quite clever.

The second act is still comedic but suffers in other ways as we depart from Barbieland and spend time in our reality. Little is done with the dynamic of two dolls having come to the real world. With that said, Ken's misinformed observations about the patriarchy, horses, and all other things remain a source of both meaningful commentary and comedy.

The third act functions as intended, but perhaps with some collateral commentary. The idea of Ken enforcing the patriarchy on Barbieland is a creatively rich one. Unfortunately, it mostly boils down to "deprogramming" the other Barbies who have become compliant. While consistent with actual feminist theory, there is potential here to send the message that women everywhere are living in some sort of socially induced trance that they must be awoken from. On a certain level, such a theory starts from a place of denial of agency.

The film delivers a solid experience for and shouldn’t be passed up by those squarely within its demographic. Ultimately, using the Barbie movie as a conduit for feminist theory was inspired; parts of the plot and commentary, more unevenly so.