The recent blockbuster film Barbie, starring Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie, provides a contemporary cinematic platform for discussion across age groups and generations of the hottest topics this year. Great for everything from family BBQ's to long beach afternoons, it can build critical thinking skills through meaningful conversation. So Let’s Get Started!



In the film, Margot Robbie’s stereotypical Barbie ventures into the “Real World” to learn which hapless human has triggered her malfunctions. Along the way, she learns who made her, the moral implications of death and decision-making, the tangled web of patriarchy and feminism, the trap of attempted perfection, and the importance of originality.

The movie deals with exploration around important themes such as gender roles and identity, perfectionism, body image and so much more. It also allows the audience to experience Barbie’s thinking with transparency and be part of her thought process during her journey. A more complex character than originally meets the eye, Robbie’s Barbie and Gosling’s Ken are complex and nuanced in their thinking, emerging as more relatable and emotionally vulnerable than anticipated. 

This film literally role models girls and women working together to unpack and undo patriarchal systems of control by working smarter and together. This film offers us many teachable moments and opportunities for self reflection. It reminds us of the importance of learning how to have non judgmental, meaningful conversations that embrace multiple perspectives. 

Regarding body image, much has been said over the decades since Barbie first came out. We're sharing below an article that offers research that speaks to the complexity around body image and its influencers over the past decades. We know that children learn by observing, absorbing and imitating the things they see around them. Research also shows that their early ideas about weight and appearance are shaped by their family, their peers as well as the media. We often use the media as a scapegoat so it’s important to look at your own sphere of influence and accountability. For your reference below is one of our favorite diagrams that we use to help us consider the many ways and stages that Influence plays out in our lives.

Some themes that to consider for discussion

• Perfection and Imperfection
• Individuality and Identity
• Feminism
• The Patriarchy
• Existentialism
• Capitalism
• Critical Thinking and Decision-Making
• Authenticity and Originality
• Collaboration and Teamwork
• Body Image
• Accountability