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After much anticipation, Greta Gerwig’s long-awaited live-action adaptation of “Barbie” finally makes its dazzling debut on the big screen. Starring Margot Robbie, the film features the iconic toy figure on a soul-searching journey in the real world.
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Step into the whimsical, pink-coated realm of Barbie Land with Margot Robbie as she breathes new life into the beloved fashion doll. Find out where you can watch “Barbie” on streaming services in Canada.
What Is Barbie About?
“Barbie” is set in the fancy, toy world of Barbie Land, where various Barbies and Kens with different personalities and styles exist. The film follows Barbie, an adventurous, fashion-forward doll with dreams of endless possibilities. After experiencing several strange phenomena, like cold showers and losing her perfectly-arched feet, Barbie finds herself confronted with random thoughts of death. She seeks help from Weird Barbie, the heretic of Barbie Land, who explains to her that the thoughts are coming from a young girl in the real world, playing with her Barbie doll. Barbie sets out to the human world so she can get back to her cheerful, perfect self. She is joined by Ken, who only perceives himself as a mere extension of Barbie. Upon arriving in the real world, the two are astonished to find that the gender dynamics they’re accustomed to in Barbie Land are different from the human world. In Barbie Land, the Barbies rule everything while the Kens are just… Kens. For the first time in her life, Barbie experiences outright acts of misogyny, while Ken enjoys the privileges of a patriarchal society.
“Barbie” held its exclusive premiere at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on July 9, 2023. The film will hit theaters worldwide on July 21, 2023, coinciding with Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer.”
Who Are in the Cast and Production of Barbie?
At the helm of the film is the burgeoning American filmmaker Greta Gerwig, who also wrote the screenplay alongside screenwriter Noah Baumbach, in partnership with Warner Bros. Studios. Gerwig is best known for her films that explore themes of feminism, and the trials and triumphs of womanhood as seen in her widely acclaimed works such as “Lady Bird” and “Little Women.” Headlining the movie as the iconic doll is Margot Robbie, who is famously known for her roles in “The Wolf of Wall Street,” “Suicide Squad,” “Babylon,” and “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood.” Alongside Robbie is Ryan Gosling, who takes on the role of Ken, Barbie’s love interest. Here’s the star-studded cast of “Barbie”:
- Margot Robbie as Barbie
- Ryan Gosling as Ken
- Will Ferrell as Mattel CEO
- America Ferrera as Gloria
- Ariana Greenblatt as Sasha
- Emerald Fennell as Midge
- Micahel Cera as Allan
- Jamie Demetriou as a Mattel executive
- Connor Swindells as an intern
- Dua Lipa as Mermaid Barbie
- Kate McKinnon as Weird Barbie
- Alexandra Shipp as Writer Barbie
- Emma Mackey as Physicist Barbie
- Ana Cruz Kayne as Judge Barbie
- Nichola Coughlan as Diplomat Barbie
- Issa Rae as President Barbie
- Ritu Arya as Journalist Barbie
- Hari Nef as Doctor Barbie
- Sharon Rooney as Lawyer Barbie
- Kingsley Ben-Adir as another Ken
- Simu Liu as another Ken
- Ncuti Gatwa as another Ken
- Scott Evans as another Ken
- Helen Mirren as narrator
What is the Rating for Barbie?
“Barbie” is rated PG-13 in Canada. The film is suitable for general audiences, though parental guidance for younger viewers aged 13 and below is advised.
How Many People Watch Barbie?
“Barbie” made $1 billion at the worldwide box office three weeks into its theatrical release, making Greta Gerwig the first female director to have a billion-dollar-grossing film.
How Are the Reviews for Barbie?
Prior to its official release, “Barbie” had already gained widespread acclaim from critics. Countless critics have raved about the film’s meticulously-crafted production set that perfectly captures the vibrant doll world of Barbie, along with the screenplay’s underlying commentaries. Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling’s standout performances as Barbie and Ken were also praised.
“Barbie” debuts with an impressive 90% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. See why critics love “Barbie”:
- “”Barbie,” director and co-writer Greta Gerwig’s summer splash, is a dazzling achievement, both technically and in tone. It’s a visual feast that succeeds as both a gleeful escape and a battle cry.” – RogerEbert.com
- “Barbie is Greta Gerwig’s best film to date and one that serves as a love letter to womanhood.” – We Live Entertainment
Where to Watch Barbie in Canada?
“Barbie” is yet to be available on streaming services and video-on-demand platforms in Canada.
Is Barbie Available on Streaming?
Max
“Barbie” will soon be available on Max, the rebranded HBO platform. However, Max is only available in the US and select European territories, so you will need a VPN to access the service. To stream the film on Max, subscribe to any of its membership plans:
| Plan | Monthly | Annual | Simultaneous streams | Video resolution | Number of downloads |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ad-Lite | $9.99 | $99.99 | 2 streams | HD | None |
| Ad-Free | $15.99 | $149.99 | 2 streams | HD | 30 titles |
| Ultimate Ad-Free | $19.99 | $199.99 | 4 streams | HD to 4K | 100 titles |
Unfortunately, Max no longer offers a free trial since its relaunch. The platform is also compatible with almost every type of device, such as smartphones, smart TVs, laptops, gaming consoles, and streaming media such as Roku and Amazon Fire Stick.
Some of the best shows you can stream on Max include “The Sopranos,” “Succession,” “The White Lotus,” “Big Little Lies,” “The Last of Us,” and “Sharp Objects.”
Is Barbie Available for Rent (VOD)?
While you wait for “Barbie” to arrive on Max, you can opt to purchase or rent it on several video-on-demand platforms. Do take note that rented films are available for a limited time only.
| Platform | Rent | Purchase |
| Google Play Store | CAD$24.99 | CAD$29.99 |
| Microsoft Store | CAD$24.99 | CAD$29.99 |
| Amazon Prime Video | CAD$24.99 | CAD$29.99 |
| Youtube TV | CAD$29.99 | CAD$29.99 |
Is Barbie Available on Cable or Free TV?
“Barbie” is not airing on any cable channels or Free TV in Canada.
Should I Use a VPN to Watch Barbie?
The film will likely stream via Max, which is geo-restricted in Canada, so you will need to use a VPN.
A Barbie in Two Worlds
Don’t let its vibrant backdrop fool you. In “Barbie,” Greta Gerwig masterfully crafts a story that delves into the unfortunate realities women face both in the real world and the toy world, with the often objectified doll at its center. While Barbie Land may seem idyllic and glamorous, it also serves as a reminder of the superficial and unrealistic standards imposed on women. The real world, on the other hand, reflects the harsh truth of gender dynamics and the struggles women encounter in the face of patriarchy. With the film’s empowering narrative and thought-provoking themes, “Barbie” proves to be more than just a children’s tale; it is a compelling story that explores and celebrates womanhood and will surely leave a lasting impression on the minds of its viewers well after the final scene.
You can watch “Barbie” in theaters near you on July 21, 2023.
1. Subscribe to a premium Virtual Private Network (VPN) like our top choice: ExpressVPN.
2. Download and install the VPN app or client on your device.
3. Connect to the VPN using your target region.
4. Sign in to the streaming service.
5. Search, stream, and enjoy the show!
