By: Jillian Wu

Greta Gerwig’s new film “Barbie,” co-starring Ryan Gosling as Ken, is a comedic take on the iconic toy with untamed wit and a heady, philosophical approach. The film is set in “Barbie Land,” where all problems of feminism and equal rights have been solved, but Barbie begins to have recurring thoughts of death and cellulite, leading her to venture to the “Real World” to solve her newfound problems. Ken tags along and discovers the patriarchy, bringing those ideas back to Barbie Land, refashioning Barbie’s dream house into his “mojo dojo casa house.”

Gerwig and Baumbach, who co-wrote the screenplays to the “Frances Ha” and “Mistress America,” did extensive research into the history of Barbie before producing the film. The film’s approach is full of love for all the ways women are and all the struggles that they have, with a subtle reminder that we’re all going to die. The film’s focus on Ken’s journey of falling into toxic masculinity and coming out the other side to a place of mutual appreciation makes its story representative of the real world. In the Barbie movie, Ken is portrayed as an accessory to Barbie, contrary to societal norms. He is treated as a plus-one, an add-on. He exists simply to complement Barbie and support her perfect, glamorous life. And unlike in the real world, where women are taught to conform to their husbands rather than pursue their own interests, Barbie portrays a fantasy life every woman has dreamed of.

In Barbie, toxic masculinity is thrown away as Gosling acted both tough and tender in his performance as Ken. The film’s impact went beyond the screen, giving rise to the powerful “just Ken” message. During production, male crew members began to wear pink socks or humming the tune of “I’m Just Ken,” while others made their own shirts, pink with rainbow fringe on the sleeves, that many wore during the final days of production. Gerwig and Gosling’s work in “Barbie” is a reminder that while Barbie is far from reality, women do not have to compromise their ambitions or aspirations to conform to traditionally masculine hobbies and careers. The movie underscores that women can proudly nurture their own dreams, proving that women are no less capable than men.