I have worshiped Barbie for as long as I can remember, and yet, somehow, seeing her and her world of Barbie Land come alive on the screen was even more incredible than I could have ever imagined. 

Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig, follows its namesake (Margot Robbie) and her classically loveable and relentless sidekick Ken (Ryan Gosling) through their lives in Barbie Land, a toy dimension somewhere between people and plastic. Barbie Land depicts a matriarchal society complete with a female president, all female Supreme Court, female doctors, chemists, and writers. Simply put, it is a celebration of what it is to be Barbie and all that she represents. The Kens of Barbie Land? They’re just Ken, deemed powerless and unimportant by society. However, when Barbie and Ken are forced to enter the rough and tumble real world of Los Angeles, they find human society operating on the reverse ideals of Barbie Land. This leads the film’s characters, and audience, on a humorous and important adventure that debunks the myths surrounding the icon that is Barbie. 

All my life I had heard that Barbie was a bad influence for little girls, that all she did was create unrealistic beauty standards and depend on her Ken, but I have always known Barbie as so much more. She is strong and smart and compassionate, all qualities that little girls, along with everybody else, should know that they are capable of. Though Barbie has traditionally demonstrated unrealistic ideas of beauty, modern Barbie celebrates the beauty in everyone, while maintaining her morals of friendship, intelligence, and kindness, all of which are highlighted in this film. Gerwig’s picture is also self-aware and progressive, without being centered on its “woke-ness.” It tackles important topics of inevitable change, gender roles, and societal structures, while still maintaining its humor and charm. 

Though this film is, at times, kitschy and charismatic, it is also inspirational and has its moments of philosophy. A key scene near the end of the film has Ruth Handler, the creator of Barbie, tell her creation, “Humans only have one ending. Ideas live forever” in an attempt to help Barbie, who has lost her way. 

For me, everything about Barbie was perfect. Maybe my living room drawer filled with Barbie movies on DVD makes me a little biased, but the casting, set, and costumes were objectively and undeniably wonderful. Not to mention that Alameda Theatre goers and staff did not disappoint with their outfits and energy. It felt amazing for Barbie to be lived out on the big screen as not only pretty in pink, but finally and undeniably fierce. Whether you’re in need of a pastel pick-me-up, a patriarchal pancaking, or somewhere in between, I implore you to see this film and experience the power and perfection that is Barbie. See you in Barbie Land!