Everything you need to know about Greta Gerwig’s acclaimed hit, Barbie
For a long time, little girls were given dolls that set them up in life for one thing… to be mothers. Then one day, a doll came along that told them that wasn’t their only lot in life… they could be students, doctors, lawyers… anything! Barbie had arrived, and now little girls knew they could grow into women who can achieve anything and everything they set their mind to. Thanks to Barbie, all problems of feminism and equal rights had been solved… right?
That’s the general train of thought in the always colourful and perfect world of Barbie Land, anyway, where Barbie (Margot Robbie) and all the other Barbies are having the best day, every day. (While the Kens also live Barbie’s best day, every day). Whether it’s a day at the beach or a choreographed dance party, everyone is living their best lives. Until one day Barbie falls head long into an existential crisis.
Strange thoughts of mortality come rushing into her head, gravity becomes an issue, and worst of all, her feet become flat! Seeking guidance from “Weird Barbie”, she is told to go on a journey to the “Real World”, where she might find the answers she’s looking for. So off she goes, with Ken (Ryan Gosling) tagging along for the ride – if only because he literally doesn’t know what to do without her.
Once arriving in the Real World (which happens to be California), the culture shock is intense. Barbie encounters a whole host of alien concepts like sexism, ageing, and apathy. To make matters worse, Ken discovers “The Patriarchy” and takes a shine to it, taking it back to Barbie Land with him. With the reality of the world dawning on her and the executives at Mattel looking to get her back “in the box”, it’s up to Barbie’s original owner Gloria (America Ferrera) and her headstrong daughter Sasha (Ariana Greenblatt) to set things right.
Where can I watch Barbie?
After a hugely successful cinema run, Barbie is having its TV premiere on Sky Cinema. That means Sky Cinema and streaming service NOW are the only places in the UK where you can watch the movie as part of your Sky Cinema or NOW subscription, at no additional cost. Barbie is not available to watch on Netflix.
When was Barbie released?
Barbie hit cinemas on 21 July 2023, famously on the same date as Christopher Nolan’s biopic Oppenheimer. This strategic example of counter-programming – releasing two very different films at the same time to capture underrepresented audiences – captured the public’s imagination and gave birth to the cultural phenomenon of “Barbenheimer”. This event was dubbed by some as the “saviour of cinema”, with audiences embracing both movies and even booking to see them as a double-bill.
When will Barbie be on Sky Cinema?
Good news! Barbie is available now on Sky Cinema.
How long is the Barbie film?
Barbie is 114 minutes long. Not exactly short, but a bit shorter than the three hours required to enjoy rival flick Oppenheimer.
What is Barbie’s age certificate in the UK?
Barbie was released in UK cinemas with a 12A rating, with the BBFC website stating this is for “moderate innuendo, brief sexual harassment and implied strong language.”
