A journey of self-expression and self-discovery

Before we saw the movie, we heard the strong negative responses to the film and thought, 'this is not the Barbie we know'. The Barbie we knew was created 'perfect' for our gender rolled and patriarchal world. On searching Barbie's history, we learnt about creator Ruth Handler's aims for Barbie, and realised Ruth's ideas had been claimed and shifted to suit the patriarchy. The response to a film that attempts to challenge these outdated societal norms demonstrates why Greta Gerwig created it. Even when tamely and comically describing experiences women* have in society, the film was described on social media as 'a man-hating sledgehammer'. The theoretical matriarchy was too much for many, despite the patriarchy we live in being portrayed in film for centuries.

The introspection and experimentation Ken did to find his identity left some men feeling conflicted and offended. Greta creatively demonstrates how the patriarchy harms male mental health through stifling self-expression, self-actualisation and impacting relationships. For us, Barbie apologising for taking Ken for granted was a great way to model relationship repairs without appeasement. Ken telling Barbie he knew crying was no longer weak, and Barbie's encouragement to show this, emphasised the pressure experienced by men as society begins to encourage self-expression in ways they have previously not been allowed.

Across the film, Barbie and Ken are objectified. 'Ken didn't have a great day, unless Barbie looked at him' – he is viewed as an extension of Barbie. This was an obvious yet intriguing role reversal of the systemic oppression of women throughout history.

In their journey to the 'real world', Barbie and Ken both felt the need to fit in, feeling they needed to change their clothes in the hopes it might prevent sexual harassment, which failed. The more obvious references to objectification, like Mattel wanting to 'put Barbie in a box', felt like a representation of patriarchal control over women.

Although it's a nod to body-shape inclusivity, the roles of larger actresses were minimal, and we debated if this was an unconscious objectification bias or a deliberate play. Overall, we felt the film suggested that without balance and equality, individuals will be invalidated, objectified and othered.

Barbie genuinely and joyfully included People of Colour, queer cast members and queer creative elements. The subtle references to decolonisation were appreciated, like Barbie being called a 'white saviour Barbie' before giving credit to America Ferrera. The tone of the film shifted from playful to realistic with America Ferrera's speech, where the realities women face were highlighted in an equally empowering and devastating way. When this speech de-programmed the Barbies, it felt like a parallel to our reality, in bringing awareness to society and the hold the patriarchy has over women.

In attempting to be inclusive, some elements were felt tokenistic in its delivery. The inclusion of Barbie in a wheelchair or Barbie wearing a hijab were minimal and placed close to the front of our imagery. The LGBTQAI+ cast diversity was not represented in their characters development, showing only dichotomous gender roles and heteronormative sexuality.

We all agreed that the ending and how the gradual re-balancing of 'Ken-Dom' and Barbie Land might be achieved could have been elaborated on. After conversations, we wondered if due to our societal norms, we are naturally inclined to placate the male audience?

A good film can inform our lives, by giving us access to perspectives and experiences we may not encounter due to our social graces. Barbie created a powerful, precise, and comical take on navigating societal norms and what it feels like to be human, aiming to inform and empower all watching. It explored how we can all introspect and self-actualise to become authentic versions of ourselves.

We all deserve better than the patriarchy.

* Throughout this piece, dichotomous gender terms aim to include female-identifying, male-identifying and non-binary people.

Reviewed by Kyah Sisulu, Trainee Clinical Psychologist, Mixed Black British Queer Woman (She/her); Abigail Middlecote, Trainee Clinical Psychologist, White British Woman (She/her) and Kwame Sisulu, Mental Health Act Administrator, Mixed Black British Man (He/him).