Barbie (2023) - Film Review

Greta Gerwig's latest film is a lot of things: it's one half of the global #Barbenheimer movie phenomenon; it's the first ever live-action Barbie movie produced and distributed by a major American studio; it's also Greta Gerwig's biggest and most mainstream blockbuster, for now.

Still of Barbie (Margot Robbie) and Ken (Ryan Gosling) in Barbie (2023)
Credit: Warner Bros.

To tell you how big this film is, how successful it is at the box office, and how many people gush over this film, is not the point of this piece, and all of which has already been covered in other publications worldwide. This review intends to share with you whether it thinks Barbie (2023) has lived up to its expectations and box office success.

The answer? Overall, yes. But not perfectly.

Based on her previous works and the impression she's had on people's minds, making a film called Barbie and it being a "groundbreaking" film that explores gender roles and expectations and so on, seems rather unsurprising of Greta Gerwig.

However, having seen the film (on the day of its release), to have done it with such style, freshness and sophistication speaks of Gerwig's talent and efforts nonetheless.

Still of Barbie (Margot Robbie) in Barbie (2023)
Credit: Warner Bros.

The production design, costumes, make-up and hairstyling and songs won't be discussed at length because most people would easily agree these elements were incredible, and likely eyeing their respective categories at next year's Oscars. Let's spend more time on the film's writing, acting, directing and everything in between.

Allow me to start by saying it's been years since I last saw Will Ferrell in a significant movie role and his turn as Mattel's CEO just came through almost effortlessly, once again proving (to me at least) that such roles fit him like a glove. Every scene with Ferrell makes the film funnier and more likable. That said, it is disappointing to see Ferrell's character and his Mattel colleagues not exactly driving the narrative as good as I'd expected them to. As soon as we see the Mattel gang, too, landing themselves on Barbieland, it's become messy and unclear what they were really there for. And reappearing towards the end of the film with some slapstick humor still couldn't quite drive it home.

Still of Mattel CEO (Will Ferrell) and Mattel employee Aaron (Connor Swindells) in Barbie (2023)
Credit: Warner Bros.

Likewise could be said for Sasha (played by Ariana Greenblatt), daughter of Gloria (America Ferrera, who by the way killed her monologue scene and it did leave an impression on me) in the film. Sasha peaked at her first scene in the movie, sadly, where she spilled it to (stereotypical) Barbie how she had (indirectly) caused countless women and girls feel insecure about how they look and themselves. Thank goodness for Gloria, whose monologue in that particular scene after she and Sasha went to Barbieland will be studied and memorized by many people in the future. But Sasha somehow did not astound anymore for the rest of the film, not that she had to, but personally it would have been nice to see, in greater detail and depth, how she changed her perception of her mom Gloria and how she grew to support Barbie. Quick note on America Ferrera's performance especially her delivery of that iconic monologue: it might be wiser to think that her delivery of the monologue aids the screenplay's chances of getting nominated (or even win) at next year's Oscars, than to think that the monologue is going to land her a supporting actress nomination.

Still of Gloria (America Ferrera), Sasha (Ariana Greenblatt) and Barbie (Margot Robbie) in Barbie (2023)
Credit: Warner Bros.

Both Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling nailed their parts, let's be real. A number of moviegoers might go into this movie thinking it's a mainstream comedy crowd-pleaser that probably has nothing insightful or profound to offer, but behold, for precisely it's Barbie and Ken whose stories really brought out the intended messages that Gerwig has for the viewers. While much talk has been going on whether Robbie could earn a spot in the best actress race next year at the Oscars, it does seem like Gosling has pretty much locked in his third Academy Award nomination as Ken in Barbie. If anything, the song which Ken sang in the film elevated each other and it's gonna be ecstatic to see both Gosling and "I'm Just Ken" nominated in the supporting actor and original song categories respectively come 2024.

For Robbie, her portrayal of (stereotypical) Barbie was of course at the center of the film, and there literally wouldn't have been anything to watch if it weren't for her story. But it just so happens that this year will be yet another stacked year of stellar leading female performances. On the outset, it's difficult to deny Robbie of her third Oscar nom but to say that she has it in the bag now seems stretching it either. Nothing responsible of Robbie, she gave her best attempt in my opinion in this coveted role of a lifetime.

Still of Greta Gerwig on the set of Barbie (2023)
Credit: Warner Bros.

Gerwig held a multi-portfolio position on this film and although there's absolutely no need to pick and choose which part of her job did she do the best for this movie, it's hard not to make these comparisons when predicting how well the movie is going to do at the upcoming year's movie awards season. Off the top of people's heads it has to be the writing. Barbie's screenplay was a joint effort by Gerwig and Noah Baumbach. While Gerwig took most of the limelight as the film's director, if one were to settle with the idea that the screenplay is likely taking home an Oscar next year, one would also have to be mindful that Baumbach would have a statuette of his own. It is important what this film is trying to tackle but it is just as important when the world celebrates Gerwig's latest achievement in filmmaking that part of that achievement should be celebrated together with her husband as well. In terms of directing, Gerwig very likely shares the same fate as Robbie at next year's awards.

Though I may not return to the cinemas, strictly, to watch Barbie again, it will be a highly entertaining and rewarding rewatch every now and then in the future at my own time and comfort. The film has done well for the most part, from its technical craft to the writing and acting performances, and the box office surely matches all of that; however, some parts of the film could've been explored deeper and one or two other jokes in the film could be substituted as a result.

All in all, it was a great watch and let the discussions on the social issues get robust.

My Letterboxd score for Barbie (2023) - 3.5 stars.

*P.S.: A video film review will be uploaded here in the near future, do subscribe and stay tuned! Update: I have delayed my YouTube channel's launch to the next awards season (2024/2025), you may refer to my latest post here to understand why.