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This week, Tryon Theatre takes a trip to Dreamland, with the record-breaking satire, “Barbie.” This film has swept theaters across the country since its opening weekend and we are excited to share in the fantastical fun! Bringing the iconic character of Barbie to life is the magnificent Margot Robbie, with a picture-perfect face and form, ideal for the famous figurine. But more importantly than the right look, Robbie injects an infectious charm into the role, bringing a bold and optimistic curiosity that endears her to her audience.

Robbie is not the only “Barbie” in the film though, as Barbie the doll had many different iterations throughout the years. The film highlights this history with a large and delightful cast of different actresses playing different versions of Barbie. A similarly large cast brings the various Kens to life as well. 

The primary Ken is played by none other than Ryan Gosling, whose largely untapped gift for comedy shines brightly in this film, never eclipsing Robbie’s Barbie, but earning Ken his own spotlight. 

Directing this endearing ensemble is the young and remarkably talented Greta Gerwig. Gerwig cut her teeth in the indie-film scene with the acclaimed film “Lady Bird” (2017) and went on to further receive acclaim with her 2019 adaptation of Little Women (Alcott 1868). 

“Barbie” marks the largest film of Gerwig’s to date, while simultaneously being her most successful. It premiered to massive critical and commercial success, breaking box office records for opening week sales, surpassing past bastions of popular culture and cementing itself as an icon of popular culture in its own right. 

At the film’s opening, we are introduced to Barbie’s Dreamland and all of its diverse-yet-identical inhabitants. However, soon after this introduction, our Barbie is compelled to leave their cookie-cutter world, seeking out the “real world” instead, hoping to find some truth yet unknown. Her journey brings her no shortage of obstacles to overcome or opportunities for growth, yet the journey is joyous all the same. And as Barbie progresses in her explorations, new complications arise for the lives of all the other Barbies and Kens back in Dreamland. 

“Barbie” will run for two weeks, from August 23 to September 3. We hope you choose to join Barbie on her journey, as we guarantee you will laugh and cheer her on along the way!