Barbie’s Cultural Resurgence
In recent times, the iconic Barbie doll has reclaimed its throne, not just as a beloved toy, but as a cultural sensation. The unprecedented success of Greta Gerwig’s Barbie movie, which raked in a staggering $1.4 billion, is clear proof of Barbie’s renewed status in popular culture. Yet, while Gerwig’s film has been the catalyst for this ‘Barbie boom,’ it’s about to get even more profound with Netflix’s latest acquisition.
Black Barbie: The Documentary’s Anticipation
Netflix, always quick to jump on trending subjects, has grabbed the rights to the much-anticipated Black Barbie documentary. Premiering to enthusiastic reviews at the South by Southwest Film Festival, this insightful documentary is soon set to grace the streaming giant’s platform, with its release date eagerly awaited.
Digging Deeper: What’s the Documentary About?
Centered on the narrative of the inception of the Black Barbie doll in 1980, the documentary captures a vital moment in toy history. Astonishingly, it took three decades after the launch of the original Barbie in 1959 for a Black variant to emerge. The spotlight in this documentary is on the trio of trailblazing Black women at Mattel – Beulah Mae Mitchell, Kitty Black Perkins, and Stacey McBride Irby – who pushed boundaries and heralded the birth of the Black Barbie.
Director Lagueria Davis, with her familial ties to one of these pioneering women (Beulah Mae Mitchell is her aunt), uses her intimate connection to the story to draw viewers into the film. Davis says, “the importance of representation and how dolls can be crucial to the formation of identity and imagination.”
Packed with candid interviews from Mattel insiders to cultural commentators and historians, the documentary paints a comprehensive picture of Black Barbie’s cultural significance. As of now, the documentary enjoys a pristine 100 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating its powerful resonance with viewers.
A Broader Look at the Barbie Phenomenon
Netflix’s foray into the Barbie narrative, especially following the massive hit of Gerwig’s film, showcases the streaming platform’s strategic eye. Gerwig’s Barbie representation is diverse and multicultural, reflecting the changing societal norms and demands for inclusivity.
But, more than just being a tale of toys and their makers, Black Barbie is set to delve into deeper cultural discussions. The documentary’s juxtaposition with Gerwig’s film brings out the complexities of Barbie’s identity in modern society. The two productions, though distinct in their approach, share the theme of Barbie’s evolving reputation. As Davis boldly states at the beginning of her documentary, “I hate dolls.” This sentiment captures the love-hate relationship many have with this iconic figure, making Black Barbie a must-watch for both fans and critics.
Coming Soon on Netflix
As audiences around the world eagerly await the streaming debut of Black Barbie, one thing is clear: the cultural discourse surrounding Barbie, her history, and her societal impact is far from over. Whether you’ve cherished her since childhood or held a critical view, this documentary promises to add another layer to the evolving Barbie narrative.
