Barbie

Barbie (2023) 
Directed by: Greta Gerwig

The transition from girlhood to womanhood feels like desperately trying to find your way back to a world that no longer exists. David Foster Wallace said, “Everything I've ever let go of has claw marks on it.” 

In true Gerwig-esque existential fashion, Barbie surpasses the well-explored theme of "none of this matters." Barbie navigates the delicate balance between the dawning realization of life's impermanence and the enduring loyalty to your childhood self. 

Gerwig pinpoints the little voice inside of every girl, a quiet, confused, startled question: “I tried my best, why is everyone so mad at me?” As humorous as Barbie's dream world may appear, its abrupt and harsh collapse strikes a familiar chord. It’s easy to write everything off, to live in existential dread, but it's the childhood happiness you know exists and can be harnessed that keeps you going.

Barbie strives for enlightenment, which was just the “before” of growing up - we have all reached it, and now we have to find our way back to it. She consults humans, her Creator, and her community for permission to go back to the way things were. But I found that the movie argues that it’s still there, it’s still forever within us.

The buzzing, annoying film school bug in me flickered during the more obvious and heavy-handed moments that I felt were somewhat unnecessary. We had already established a sublime (get it) satirical critique. These moments bothered me more because I feared they might alienate the very audience we want to engage—the ones ready to dismiss the glittering and glossy Barbie world.

The more young women who embrace Barbie, the more I can guarantee the influx of naysayers armed and ready to criticize. Nevertheless, I believe Gerwig has managed to subtly embed an essential message within this blockbuster marketing extravaganza. All I can do is hope that this message reaches the ears that truly need to hear it.

Besides all of that - Barbie is just plain fun, cheeky and hilarious. Barbie is a dazzling, beautiful, bright adventure that I recommend to anyone who is willing to shut up and enjoy it.