Barbie

Life is plastic, it's fantastic. That is until an existential crisis sweeps over Barbieland in Greta Gerwig's new movie, Barbie.

Since she first arrived on store shelves Barbie has been irrevocably tied to feminism, matriarchy, patriarchy, consumerism, sexuality & body image. So it should come as no surprise that the blockbuster film adaptation touches upon all of these topics. Much like the titular toy though the film does so in a vacuous fashion, oftentimes using these themes as the basis of a quip or gag. While this may sound like a scathing indictment on the film we must remember Barbie, much like the toy, is a film designed for young girls who may be encountering these issues for the first time.

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As an entertainment property Barbie is much more amusing & enjoyable than it had any right to be. Margot Robbie as "stereotypical" Barbie is immaculately cast as the girl living her dream life before suddenly being overcome with thoughts of death. To rid herself of these thoughts Barbie must leave the matriarchal paradise of Barbieland & venture to the real world of Los Angeles.

Never one to leave Barbie's side Ken (Ryan Gosling) tags along for the journey & undergoes his own awakening in LA when he discovers patriarch, beer, horses & 3AM by Matchbox Twenty. With these revelatory discoveries, Ken decides Barbieland needs a revolution so that the Kens can be more than just vapid, Barbie adoring himbos.

Throughout Barbie, viewers are bombarded with nostalgic Barbie toy line references, history & lore. At times this can feel like a 2-hour long advertisement but moments of self-deprecating humour cut through.

Visually the Barbie movie is exactly what you would expect. Highly saturated, plastic & boy oh boy is it pink! The set design is immaculate with the film capturing the Barbie toy set aesthetic when in Barbieland.

Barbie isn't a timeless revelatory feminist masterpiece but it is a weird, wacky, entertaining & joyful film.

Pario Magazine stands in solidarity & support of the WGA & SAG-AFTRA in their fight for better working conditions.

Our publication has always been focused on the creative brilliance of these individuals rather than on the business of film/tv. As such we will continue to highlight their creative talents during this time so that their contributions to our entertainment are not overlooked.

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