This article contains spoilers for the film Barbie.
In the film Barbie directed by Greta Gerwig, the audience is transported into a fantasy world that reflects a Barbie superfan’s wildest dreams. The movie showcases intricate dance routines featuring the dolls and cleverly mocks Mattel’s products through its dialogue. Every scene, particularly those set in Barbie Land, the plastic universe ruled by life-sized Barbies and their adoring Kens, is filled with inventive set pieces, playful references to campy cinema, and vibrant costumes.
However, amidst this sun-soaked glittery paradise, Gloria (played by America Ferrera) stands out as an adult who has a special connection to Barbie. Gloria, who spent countless hours playing with Barbie as a child, is struggling to connect with her teenage daughter. Seeking solace, Gloria unintentionally projects her darkest thoughts onto the doll, causing Barbie to “malfunction” with flattened feet and existential contemplation. Through a series of magical events, Gloria meets Barbie in person and becomes her guide, helping her discover her purpose beyond being a mere plaything and offering crucial insights that tie the film’s themes together.
Gloria delivers a powerful speech at a pivotal moment when the roles of Gloria and Barbie are reversed. In the real world, Barbie, also known as “Stereotypical Barbie,” realizes that women do not hold all the power. Her distress deepens when she returns to Barbie Land, now ruled by Kens, who have created a patriarchal society where Barbies serve their every need. Responding to Barbie’s crisis of identity, Gloria provides a pep talk that gradually deconstructs the unrealistic expectations imposed on women.
Gloria’s monologue begins with the statement, “Somehow we’re always just doing it wrong,” followed by a series of examples that highlight society’s contradictory demands on women. Gloria touches upon the pressure to be thin but not too thin, to aspire to leadership roles without being too aggressive, and to balance motherhood with other aspirations. She points out the unfair expectations placed on women to be perfect in every aspect of their lives. Her speech exposes the exhausting struggle women face in trying to please everyone and conform to society’s standards.
This monologue reflects Gerwig’s signature style, reminiscent of her previous films like Little Women, Lady Bird, and Frances Ha. Gloria’s delivery is authentic and raw, capturing the frustrations faced by adult women. The monologue may seem obvious to some viewers, but its unfiltered nature and Ferrera’s portrayal make it impactful. The speech builds up, raising hopes for a definitive solution, but ultimately acknowledges that such a solution may not exist.
It is important to recognize that there is no easy solution to the challenges faced by women, both in the real world and in Barbie Land. Gloria’s monologue serves as a reminder that even in a seemingly perfect paradise like Barbie Land, the same pressures exist, albeit in more superficial ways. The film takes the time to explore the inequality within Barbie Land, highlighting the powerlessness of Kens and the judgments made by other Barbies based on beauty standards.
Gloria’s somber monologue may be an unexpected moment in a movie as whimsical and extravagant as Barbie, but it serves as a significant reminder of the film’s purpose. The movie understands that Barbie, as both a toy and an icon, has sparked countless debates since her introduction in 1959. Being a woman means facing endless discussions about beauty standards and gender roles. While the brand has made efforts to modernize by including diverse skin tones and body types, the image of Barbie with arched feet remains symbolic of the constant expectations placed on women.
The film delves into the complex relationship between products and self-image, highlighting the cycle in which our purchases shape our identity and vice versa. This concept may be too abstract for young viewers, as illustrated by a little girl in the audience who struggled to grasp Gloria’s monologue. However, someday she may understand, and hopefully, she will have someone like Barbie or Gloria to assure her that she is not alone.
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