Barbie is the It Girl Movie of 2023

If you thought Barbie was just about her perfect life falling apart and having an existential crisis, you’re wrong. While the movie has been labelled as satire, the impact of societal issues was the common theme displaying crucial messages that resonate with audiences. The Barbie universe we all thought we knew has now changed the perspective of fantasy versus reality as the movie demonstrates the challenges of womanhood. Through Stereotypical Barbie’s (Margot Robbie) point of view, the idea of being a woman to society’s expectations is no longer fulfilling but to instead discover her individual identity.

A major highlight from the movie was the monologue. Delivered by Gloria (America Ferrera), the monologue holds power that is emotionally empowering towards audiences. Pulling together various elements of social issues, patriarchy, feminism and gender roles was an intentional storyline to express all the women’s unheard voices, speaking on how it’s impossible to be a woman living with double standards. The message is a cultural conversation on the expectation in society on how women should look and act a certain way. Those few minutes on screen struck a touching nerve from the character, impacting audiences who relate or unveil the importance of the movie's theme.

Did you know Barbie has had over 200 careers taking on aspirational and cultural roles of which are still male dominated today due to the patriarchy? It’s no surprise the direction Greta Gerwig has taken for the movie has been fuelled with feminism and girl power following the iconic collections of feminine Barbie dolls and animated movies. In Barbie Land, the Barbies are powerhouses and are represented by each of them having a career, for instance a female president, surgeon or engineer. This is a contrast to the real world where men are known to dominate the patriarchy. It’s incredible to witness how the Barbie dolls created by Ruth Handler has established into a feminist icon and a reflection of female empowerment and ambition that strongly culminates with the Barbie movie.

The movie’s message on women’s representation is strongly reflected. However, there are debates on the theme and message portrayed in Barbie who see it as controversial (Pearcy, 2023). The criticism perceived is anti-men on how Barbies treat the Kens by placing them as second-class citizens. The radical message invites the Barbies to reimagine feminism and masculinity for gender equality where the movie ends with no Barbie or Ken left behind, including having careers. With the message represented through entertainment, it’s a social and challenging visionary we should all continue to learn more of.

Barbie is the It Girl movie of 2023. Barbie is more than just a fashion doll. Barbie is a feminist icon.