Barbie

The film opens with The Narrator, played by Helen Mirren, providing a thoughtful commentary on the impact of the Barbie doll in society. This is accompanied by nostalgic footage of the original 1959 Barbie, representing a time when young girls rebelled against conventional baby dolls.

Barbieland is introduced as a vibrant and whimsical realm inhabited by Barbies and Kens, ruled by a matriarchal society. The Barbies hold prestigious positions while the Kens, like Beach Ken, remain unnoticed and underappreciated, highlighting the gender dynamics of this unique world.

During a lively dance party at her residence, Stereotypical Barbie begins to experience an existential crisis. The following day, she notices blemishes on her skin and her perfect feet turning flat, which leads to her search for answers.

The other Barbies suggest that Barbie consult Weird Barbie for guidance on her troubling feelings. Weird Barbie reveals that Barbie’s human counterpart is currently unhappy, prompting Barbie to go on a quest to find and support her.

Barbie's journey to the real world begins unexpectedly when Beach Ken hides in her vehicle, persuading her to take him along. Together, they set off to Los Angeles, encountering humorous challenges, including run-ins with law enforcement.

As Barbie navigates the complexities of the real world, she discovers the importance of emotions and empathy. A transformative moment occurs when she shares a heartfelt compliment with an elderly woman, revealing her growing understanding of human feelings.

Meanwhile, Ken returns to Barbieland, energized by his exploration of patriarchy. Feeling a sense of belonging for the first time, he seeks to leverage this new identity to assert power over the Barbies.

Barbie finally meets her human counterpart, Sasha, at a local school. However, the encounter is disheartening as Sasha and her peers criticize Barbie for promoting unattainable ideals, which leaves Barbie feeling rejected and disillusioned.

The CEO of Mattel becomes aware of Barbie's presence in the real world and orders her return to Barbieland. His intention is to retrieve her using a giant doll box, demonstrating the corporate control over Barbie's narrative.

Barbie, realizing the CEO's intentions, cleverly escapes amidst the chaos with the help of Sasha and her mother, Gloria. Gloria shares her emotional connection to Barbie, revealing how Barbie provided her comfort during her own troubling times.

Upon returning to Barbieland, Barbie discovers that Ken has taken charge, creating a regime that diminishes the Barbies' status to mere companions. His ambition to establish a patriarchy creates a new conflict for Barbie and her friends.

Inspired by Gloria’s powerful speech about womanhood, Barbie gathers the Barbies to reclaim their autonomy. Determined not to allow the Kens to change their constitution, she inspires a rebellion against the oppressive regime.

Barbie and a group of marginalized dolls, including Weird Barbie and Allan, orchestrate a rebellion against the Kens. Their efforts culminate in a comedic showdown on the beach, restoring the Barbies' authority in Barbieland.

In a heartfelt exchange, a heartbroken Ken confronts his role as an accessory to Barbie. Barbie encourages him to embrace his individuality, leading to a powerful moment of mutual understanding and apologies.

Barbie meets the spirit of Ruth Handler, her creator, who reassures her of her capacity for self-definition. Embracing her evolution, Barbie chooses to live in the real world, adopting the name Barbara Handler, marking a new chapter in her life.