From Harley Quinn to Barbie? Margot Robbie has taken on a new look.

Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig, and written by Gerwig and Noah Baumbach, stars Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken. Released in theaters on July 1st of this year, this movie is still currently in theaters, but it is available now for rental online. This movie carries a light and fun feel, while also unpacking a deeper message.

I recommend this movie to all women, no matter their age. This can be really enjoyable, especially if you’ve struggled with motherhood or just being a woman.

This movie centers around Barbie, who begins to question her existence as a Barbie. She takes a journey into the “Real World”, where she hopes to reconnect with the young girl who played with her in the past. She finds that the real connection she held was with her mother, played by America Ferrera. Ultimately, Barbie learns about the struggles of womanhood. 

Going into the movie theaters, I assumed that this movie would have a light and chick-flick kind of feel. Barbie tends to be associated with light-hearted cartoons or their Barbie movies, which are not very serious. With this in mind, I assumed this new movie would be the same.

But I was wrong.

This movie has a great focus on what it feels like to go from being a girl into becoming an adult. It touches on all the expectations that one might feel, while also struggling to just be a person. This movie can also help you reconnect with your inner child. 

Many men have complained about not being able to relate to this film, due to their gender. However, if they are open to it, I think that they will see that this movie has a lot to say about the role men play in our patriarchal system. 

Although it is small, there is a subplot about how Ken, in the Barbie world, sees how men have always been the ones with no power. But after visiting the real world, he wishes to bring that sense of male dominance back home. He learns to accept that just being himself is okay, and he shouldn’t have to aspire to be a great “man”.

The plot of Barbie is simple enough to understand and follow, and the motivations and ideals portrayed are easy to spot. There are also no holes in the plot, which makes its resolution so much more of a fun experience. 

The characters all have their own personalities, which makes them seem more believable. The story is predictable up to a point, but you can still enjoy the conclusion found at the end.

The actors are also funny and witty. They are each able to connect to their characters, be they silly or serious, and each has their own chance to display their talents. I really believe that Ryan Gosling is Ken. 

It is easy to sympathize with and root for many of the characters, and the chemistry between them is extremely easy to watch. Each character’s relationships seem completely real. The music further sells the Barbie atmosphere. There is a musical number in particular that is so satisfying and fun to watch. 

This bright and whimsical movie definitely is a must-watch summer movie! It’s great for the family to gather together and all take their own sense of enjoyment, either from the message or just the cleverness of it all. 

And if you like Barbie, I would recommend any one of the other Barbie animated films. You might also enjoy a classic chick flick, like Clueless or Legally Blonde.