Barbie

Join Drew, Grace, Lucius, and Paola as they react, review, and reflect on Greta Gerwig's surprisingly philosophical pink phenomenon Barbie, and share recommendations of some thematically related books and films.

(00:00) Intro

Welcome to Soul on Screen

(1:20) React

Initial skepticism turned to delighted surprise at the meaningful content packed into a story about a plastic doll, nostalgia for childhood Barbie experiences, appreciation for the film's earnestness and refusal to take itself too seriously, and varied emotional responses to America Ferrera's pivotal monologue

(9:04) Review

Praise for flawless production design that brought Barbie Land to life, the stark material contrast between plastic artificiality and real-world textures, exceptional pacing and editing, clever intertextual references and humor, outstanding music that carries the story's tone, and a script that balances fun with substance

(21:13) Reflect

Examining the film as a lament about artificial perfection versus authentic humanity, themes of creator and creation through Ruth Handler's role, the complexity of victim-villain dynamics in both Barbie and Ken's journeys, questions of identity and free will, the cost and beauty of choosing real life with its pain and imperfection, and incarnational themes of embracing embodied existence

(45:23) Recommend

Related books, movies, and more:

• Blade Runner 2049
• Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
• The Bear (seasons 1-2)
• Embracing the Body by Tara Owens
• The Gift of Being Yourself by David Benner
• Christians for Biblical Equality
• Never Cast Out by Jasmine Holmes