The summer of 2023 saw a comical cultural moment known as Barbenheimer. The battle between widely different Hollywood offerings Barbie and Oppenheimer sparked a host of memes and friendly discussion. With the two films released on the same day, a challenge was set to watch them back-to-back. Both movies achieved critical and audience acclaim with Barbie breaking the box office and Oppenheimer bagging the most awards. The excitement surrounding the two proved a real boost for the cinema industry following the pandemic.
The appetite for a film about the world’s most famous doll is evidently still there. The Royal Albert Hall is bathed in pink light and numerous audience members adorn the colour – some going all out while others offer a nod to Barbie with just a pink tie or scarf. It adds to the joyful atmosphere that permeates the hall. The Barbie Land™ Sinfonietta – an all-female orchestra also each dressed head to toe in pink – are conducted by Macy Schmidt. After a video introducing herself and what drew her to this project, she arrives on stage to enthusiastic applause. Telling the audience tonight is all about having a party and enjoying ourselves, the orchestra soon bursts into an overture that teases some of the music ahead.
Written and directed by Greta Gerwig, who enjoyed previous success with such films as Lady Bird and Little Women – we are transported to Barbie Land. Everything is, naturally, perfect here, and Barbie is content with her simple, straightforward life. When she is forced to enter the real world, however, she discovers both the good and the bad of living among humans, which prompts her to examine who she really is.
There is of course, great comedy to be extracted from the premise, but beneath its knowingly superficial acting and cartoonish cinematography lie a host of deeper, more meaningful themes. The ever-timely subject of beauty standards and body image is aptly explored. Identity, acceptance, belonging, and gender norms are all placed under the spotlight along with patriarchy, female empowerment, and capitalism. Yes, a tremendous deal is crammed into just under two hours, but it is delivered in a humorous, self-aware way, which is no doubt why so many resonate with the film.
Audience members laugh loudly as Ryan Gosling showcases superb comedic timing as Ken. Will Ferrell is hilarious as the CEO of Mattel (the company that owns the Barbie brand), and Kate McKinnon has us in fits of giggles as Weird Barbie. America Ferrera and Rhea Perlman provide some of the more emotive scenes, while Margot Robbie is exceptional as our eponymous character.
Then, there is of course the soundtrack. From Dua Lipa’s upbeat ‘Dance The Night’ to the contemplative ‘What Was I Made For’ by Billie Eilish via the masterpiece that is ‘I’m Just Ken’, the music contributes greatly to the film. Hearing it performed live only enhances it and the Barbie Land™ Sinfonietta are a delight to experience. Having children occasionally come on stage and briefly act out key moments is a nice touch, and throwing blow-up beach balls out into the audience, who then bounce them around, adds to the concert’s liveliness. We are well and truly immersed in Barbie’s world, and by the end of the show, it’s a shame we must leave it. Another memorable hit for the Hall’s Films in Concert series.
Review by Jonathan Marshall
The record-shattering, full-length feature film was accompanied live by the Barbie Land™ Sinfonietta. This all-female orchestra was conducted by Macy Schmidt, performing both the score and beloved pop songs from the iconic soundtrack.
Barbie and Ken are having the time of their lives in the colourful and seemingly perfect world of Barbie Land. However, when they get a chance to go to the real world, they soon discover the joys and perils of living among humans.
BARBIE™ and associated trademarks and trade dress are owned by, and used under license from, Mattel. ©2025 Mattel. © 2025 Warner Bros. Ent. All rights reserved.
BARBIE THE MOVIE: IN CONCERT
Royal Albert Hall
Wednesday 5 March 2025
