From Barbie Land to Reality: A Journey Through Womanhood

When the newest adaption of Barbie by Greta Gerwig hit cinemas, I knew I had to see it, especially knowing it would be a ‘girls day out’ with my nieces and sister-in-laws. Growing up, Barbie was more than just a doll to me; she was an icon of possibility, of imagination. I remember singing along to Barbie Girl by Aqua knowing every lyric, every beat and imagining all the Barbie adventures that could unfold. When I sat down to watch Barbie, I expected a trip down memory lane. What I didn’t expect was a film that would profoundly capture what it means to be a woman in today’s world.

Watching Barbie felt like looking into a mirror—one that reflected humour, self-discovery, love and the deeply human complexities that come with being a woman. Recently, when Barbie came to Disney+, I found myself watching it again, and the experience was just as evocative, if not more.

The film introduces us to “stereotypical Barbie” (played by the amazingly energetic and stunning Margot Robbie) in the perfect, plastic world of Barbie Land. Barbie believes she has made a difference here; that her world of diversity, beauty and endless career options has changed the real world for women. In Barbie Land, everything is pink and polished, with Barbies in every role—from doctor to president. This utopia feels seamless, almost intoxicating. Barbie soon begins to experience strange, unsettling changes: flat feet, cellulite and an unexpected surge of self-doubt.

As she stares into the mirror, Barbie wonders aloud, “Do you guys ever think about dying?” This line is delivered with humour, but it is the first crack in the ‘perfect’ world of Barbie, the beginning of her existential crisis.
This moment captures something deeply relatable—how even those of us who seem “put together” have those moments of self-doubt, of wondering if there is something more beneath the surface.

The film takes us deeper as Barbie fits in a journey to the real world. In the real world, she experiences discomfort, vulnerability and a stark contrast to the life she has always known. “I’m not used to feeling so… unremarkable,” she admits, realising the weight of expectations placed on women. In Barbie Land, she was powerful and revered; in the real world, she feels scrutinised, reduced and even objectified.

Watching the discomfort of  Barbie felt all too familiar.

So often, we are told we can “be anything,” yet we still encounter societal pressures, limitations and the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways we are made to feel “less than.”

In a standout scene, Barbie breaks down, saying, “I don’t feel like Barbie anymore.”This is a moment of vulnerability, and it reminded me of the times I have felt detached from my own identity, questioning who I am beyond the roles I play.

Meanwhile, Ken (played hilariously by Ryan Gosling) has his own journey of realisation. In Barbie Land, he exists in the shadow of Barbie. Once in the real world, Ken discovers a society where men hold more power and influence, and he revels in this newfound status. “I’m a man with no power. Does that make me a woman?” he jokes, poking at the cultural power imbalance.

Ken’s excitement at being recognised and valued highlights an important aspect of womanhood: how easy it is for men to access status and validation in ways that women often cannot. It’s a light-hearted, almost absurd contrast to the unease of Barbie, but it brings a sharp awareness to the power dynamics that still shape our lives.

The scene where the Kens sing “Push” by Matchbox 20 around the campfire—each Ken trying to assert himself and win over his Barbie—is both hilarious and revealing. Watching it, I was reminded of the ways validation is sought, fought for and often misinterpreted.

Throughout the film, I found myself laughing, cringing and crying, often at the same time. Barbie is filled with humour, yet there’s a poignant layer beneath every joke. In one scene, a group of Barbies, after overcoming their struggles in the real world, come together to restore Barbie Land. This sisterhood, this solidarity, is a powerful reminder of how women support each other through the highs and lows of life.

The movie channels all the frustration and love we carry, putting it back in our hands and saying, “Yes, you are seen.” As Barbie reflects on her journey, she realises that being a woman isn’t about living up to impossible standards or creating a flawless image. It’s about connection, growth, and being part of something bigger than ourselves.

Toward the end, Barbie, now aware of her own limitations and possibilities, delivers a line that resonated deeply with me: “I want to be a part of the people that make meaning, not the thing that is made.” This line encapsulates a powerful shift from being molded by the expectations of others to living with intention, to creating a life filled with purpose, adventure and love.

This line speaks to the heart of what many of us experience—the realisation that we are not defined by roles, labels, or appearances. A reminder that our worth does not lie in our image but in our capacity to create, to love and to make a difference. This shift from being “made” to “making” is a declaration of independence, a reclaiming of our own narratives.

Barbie isn’t just a nostalgic nod to our childhoods; it’s a mirror held up to modern womanhood, with all its contradictions, pressures and beautiful complexities.

As I watched Barbie and her friends navigate these worlds, I felt a sense of pride, laughter and kinship. Greta Gerwig has given us a film that celebrates the journey of being a woman, one that doesn’t shy away from showing both the real and the aspirational.

At its core, Barbie reminds us that the beauty of being a woman lies in our ability to redefine ourselves, to connect deeply and to make meaning in a world that often tries to mold us. Watching it again reminded me of the strength, resilience, and humour we carry, and how these qualities shape a life that’s uniquely our own.

We are gorgeous and glorious, wild and wonderful humans, being part of the people who make meaning, who see beyond the surface and who live from a place of authenticity.

Thank you, Barbie, for reminding us of the power that lies in being real.