'Barbie Breakups' Skyrocket As Movie Sheds Light On Real-Life Toxic Relationships
"Barbie" is the movie of the moment. As it continues to soar in the box office and rake in rave reviews on Rotten Tomatoes from viewers and critics alike, the film has demonstrated a significant cultural impact already, the likes of which will surely be felt for years to come. However, for some viewers, the movie has allowed them to make an even more personal discovery about those closest to them.
Many women have taken to social media to share that they have been inspired by "Barbie" to reevaluate whether their relationships with their partners are really worthwhile. "Did anyone watch Barbie and suddenly want to break up w their boyfriend, or was that just me?" asked @awhtee on Twitter.
Evidently, she was not alone in her feelings. "My bf didn't like the 'Barbie' movie, how do I break up with him?" @__yesii_ tweeted. There's plenty of other stories out there, too.
It's open season for Barbie breakups
Ever since the release of the "Barbie" movie, several Reddit threads have been made by users writing about how the film has prompted conflicts and break ups with their partners. One particular story that gained quite a bit of traction was that of u/notalaskakidd, who shared that she had broken up with her boyfriend after he angrily rejected many of the feminist ideals of the "Barbie" film, causing her to reevaluate their compatibility with one another. "Maybe it was a long time coming, but this was the straw that broke the camel's back," she said.
For some viewers, "Barbie" has been surprisingly helpful with regard to their relationships in a different way. Fans who broke up with their partners prior to seeing the movie have said that it's helped them feel better and work through the often difficult period that comes after a relationship has ended. "The 'Barbie' movie coming out the day after my breakup and me watching it a week later is genuinely so perfect bc I feel so empowered and womanly rn," @queowy tweeted. Other users shared similar sentiments about the film. "'Barbie' did really calm my anger and emotions down from the break up," @yeahimfunny wrote. "If y'all broken-hearted like me, give 'Barbie' a shot. It strengthens us women."
The Barbie movie is affecting how women look at their partners
Though many viewers may not have expected such deep and resonant themes from a movie about a massive doll brand, Greta Gerwig's "Barbie" has blown away any doubts about the movie having depth. The film not only deconstructs the unfair treatment that women receive in society from all sides but also paints a target on the system of oppression that has made this treatment possible for so many decades.
With this in mind, other women are suggesting that the "Barbie" movie can serve as a test of character and compatibility for current and future partners. As users like @nicolehoef and @joellalaurito_ noted on TikTok, there were a lot of men who found the film to be moving and effective, noting that they displayed empathy and understanding for the women in their lives after viewing it.
Still, the dating pool could look a little different for the next little while as popular culture feels the shockwaves of "Barbie." "You guys, I just realized that the Barbie movie is a litmus test," said @sayhalogoodbye on TikTok. "Greta's trying to save us all through Barbie!" she said. Well, if the film's record-breaking box office run is any indication, there are going to be a lot of people who see this movie and feel its ramifications for a very long time to come.