Despite the often market-driven approach to storytelling in the MCU, the sometimes cynical nature of Sony films, and the anti-competence narratives that plague other streaming originals, there’s still a wealth of creative talent making waves in cinema. When these filmmakers hit it out of the park, the impact is undeniable.
Margot Robbie’s production company, LuckyChap, is one such entity, and it was instrumental in bringing Barbie to life. This Greta Gerwig-directed fantasy comedy shattered box office records, made the Oscars a little more colorful, and has maintained a strong presence in the streaming world. As of now, Barbie sits at #9 on Netflix’s U.S. film charts, a testament to its ongoing popularity. It narrowly trails films like Subservience and Carry-On, but its continued relevance in streaming is no small feat.
The film follows Stereotypical Barbie (Robbie), a doll who lives in a perfect, matriarchal Barbieland, always having the “best day ever.” But when she starts pondering existential questions, she embarks on an adventure to the real world to find the child who plays with her, hoping to cure both the child’s and her own existential crisis. Along for the ride is Ken, who, after spending time in California, begins to imagine how Barbieland could be different.
Barbie has been dissected from every angle since its release, praised for its vibrant personality and nuanced approach to gender roles. What makes the film stand out, however, is its love for humanity — embracing flaws and emotional struggles as integral to the human experience. It strikes a delicate balance in its portrayal of both the matriarchy and patriarchy, trusting the audience to engage with sincerity. These qualities are what will likely secure its place in cinematic history.
The film’s success might also mark the beginning of a bizarre Hollywood trend: high-concept films based on classic toys, board games, and novelty items. Daniel Kaluuya is working on a surreal Barney movie, while LuckyChap is involved in projects like a Monopoly movie and a Sims adaptation directed by Kate Herron. Other studios are following suit, with Sony’s Clue film, Paramount’s Play-Doh movie, and a live-action Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots film starring Vin Diesel.
It all sounds a bit dystopian, but if Barbie has shown us anything, it’s that even the thinnest intellectual property can blossom into a great story, provided there’s genuine care in its storytelling. If these future films can maintain that level of commitment, they might just surprise us — as long as they don’t fall into the trap of sucking. Time will tell!