Barbie: a superficial nightmare unpacked

August air buzzed with anticipation as we braced ourselves for the much-talked-about phenomenon known as 'Barbenheimer' ( we even dressed in pink for the occasion)! My partner and I expected a blend of profound 'Oppenheimer' and whimsical 'Barbie', an intellectual rollercoaster with a touch of dazzle. 'Oppenheimer' absolutely captivated our hearts. Little did we know, we'd find ourselves soaked in an almost two-hour ideological downpour when 'Barbie' took the stage. If this is the banner of progress - battling years of toxic masculinity with an equal amount of toxic feminism - then count me as a skeptic. It appears more as a step in the opposite direction.

After watching the film, I gave in to the temptation to check Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb scores. To my surprise, I found an 88% approval from the tomato brigade and a 7.0/10 from IMDb enthusiasts. While skimming through the multitude of film reviews, I couldn't resist the occasional chuckle, wondering, 'Did we, by any chance, partake in the same movie experience!?'

I think it has become rather apparent that my perspective DEMANDS a little more room to stretch its legs! How do I put it delicately? Sometimes, a film perplexes you so profoundly that you can't help but let your contemplations run wild, even if it means toeing the line between insightful reflections and a hint of frank criticism...

Let's start with the very obvious first issue - the male characters in the film, portrayed as complete buffoons and sexual objects, a topic that women often criticise when roles are reversed. While I appreciate artistic exaggeration for emphasis, the underlying message was genuinely unsettling. Instead of celebrating our collective human experience, or shared humanity, the film provoked doubts about the enigmatic nature of all women, leaving many viewers baffled. And no, I don't think that men should be mere appendages to women, as Barbie's world kindly suggests, nor do I believe that women should be subordinate to men, as depicted in the real world of the film. My main issue with this topic is the unhealthy expression of aggression or so called prevalent victim mentality that's omnipresent these days.

For those who know me well, it's no secret that I find the notion of victimhood very fascinating. It's like an uninvited guest that sneaks into our lives on a daily basis, often slipping past without our awareness. Sometimes we use it as a clever tool of persuasion, other times we have no other way to look at reality. It's way easier to blame the external world for our feelings, instead of looking inwards and trying to change our perspective on the outside world. I personally see it as a cozy trap that I am determined not to succumb to willingly. Now let me give you an example of some daily scenarios that showcase our collective experience as cute little victims (before you ask, yes, I'm very much a card-carrying member of the cute little victims' club, but raising awareness of it is something I believe is always helpful).

'Focusing on grievances can be debilitating; social science points to a better way'

Speaking of victimhood, in the grand scheme of somewhat privileged Western life, dear reader, you probably often find yourself thrust into the centre stage of compelling narrative and more often than not, it's a role that paints you as a victim. If you are a woman, you tread the labyrinthine corridors of corporate manipulation, where insecurities are cleverly marketed and self-doubt is cunningly sown to keep you tethered to their wares. You're a pawn in the high-stakes game of seeking approval from men whose values may stand in stark contrast to your own. You might as well toss your parents into the narrative, attributing life's plot twists to the rollercoaster of their parenting skills. Let's not forget about AI, which looms like a spectre, ready to jeopardise your livelihood and even the planet itself...

I am not suggesting that people should not acknowledge the fact that something is wrong, unfair, hurtful or confusing. Even the opposite, addressing such issues and setting clear boundaries is the key approach. Remaining passive and waiting for the world, events or others to change, while doing nothing to alleviate what's causing us distress, puts us in the role of victims within our own narrative and labels us as incapable of taking action. Clearly, there will always be challenging situations and some choices will be easier than others, but we will always have a choice. We live in a world where every step IS a choice. If we are physically and mentally healthy, we are the ones who decide how we respond to life's events. Corporations don't force us to make purchases, if you are an adult, your parents no longer have the power to dictate/control your life; AI doesn't force you to utilise it... these decisions are entirely your own. Life is not merely black and white, as some might argue, and I'd agree. It's as rich and diverse as the world itself and the opportunities we have to move on and be mindful every step of the way.

'Those who have a perpetual victimhood mindset tend to have an “external locus of control”; they believe that one’s life is entirely under the control of forces outside one’s self, such as fate, luck or the mercy of other people.' - Scott Barry Kaufman

This odd sense of entitlement seems to linger like an earworm, as if we have all fallen in step with the notion that it's always someone or something else's fault and never our own, even when we are the ones weathering the storm and clearly the sufferers. Sadly, this theme echoes through the entire film as well.

In 'Barbie', there is a scene where the mother grapples with the contradictions of womanhood, explaining the challenges of balancing these conflicting aspects. Honestly, it was the one scene I enjoyed in the film. It also made me come to an interesting observation - women are often the toughest critics of other women, surpassing any critique from men. Think about it. Also, is it not fascinating that in the film, women found unity when they had to collectively manipulate men through deception, toying with their emotions, especially when evoking jealousy...

In my personal experience so far, when it comes to the mindful and self-aware gents, they often gracefully navigate the ups and downs of our complex phases. The lingering question really is: when will we find that balance?

'While splitting the world into those who are “saints” versus those who are “pure evil” may protect oneself from pain and damage to their self-image, it ultimately stunts growth and development and ignores the ability to see the self and the world in all of its complexities.' - Scott Barry Kaufman

The film's message couldn't be clearer if it came with neon signs and flashing lights as it preaches non-stop, overshooting its mark. If you approach 'Barbie' with an open mind, you'd probably hope for some good laughs. While there are a few moments of humour here and there, most of the film barely got a chuckle from the audience.

On a brighter note, the production design and costumes are praiseworthy. However, when it comes to the script and direction, things fall apart. Whenever the film attempts to take itself seriously, it loses its charm, becoming a tedious and preachy experience. We are continuously told what we should think about what we are thinking, robbing us of the autonomy to interpret the narrative. The spoon-fed morals, thoughts and feelings left us feeling like ten-year-olds. Surely, we are capable of forming our own judgements based on what we see, aren't we?

Finally, as I've mentioned before, the film's main shortcoming lies in its excessive preachiness, unintentionally fostering division instead of unity. Although men and women are interdependent, the film fails to convey this essential message. One keeps waiting for the narrative to shift slightly towards unity, but that remains an elusive idea (with the exception of the moment when women united to manipulate men and reclaim their Barbie land). And then, the audience must bear the message: you are a victim in this grand narrative. This notion, while not entirely baseless, oversimplifies the complex interplay of our individual choices in this ever-changing world.

In the end, to me 'Barbie' is a promise of substance that never quite delivers. The film's attempt to tackle complex gender dynamics was a bit of a fail. It's not that 'Barbie' lacks ambition; it's more a case of biting off more that it can chew.