Barbie Review: 8 Ups & 2 Downs
8. UPS - Margot Robbie Was Born To Play Barbie
Margot Robbie doesn't just make a great Barbie - she is Barbie. Although the Suicide Squad star has knocked it out of the park time and time again throughout her incredible career, her portrayal as Mattel's prized toy is out of this world.
Playing Stereotypical Barbie (that's literally her name,) Robbie initially plays the role as naive, vapid, and childishly joyful. With her stilted movements and robotic gestures, she shows how Barbie is limited by her plasticine body. The Aussie star performs her janky movements so effortlessly, there are times where Barbie looks like a literal doll when viewed from a distance.
As impressive as this display is, it's when Barbie starts developing complex emotions when Robbie shows her A-material. Portraying Barbie as confused and scared is fascinating, since Robbie realistically conveys these sentiments as if it's the first time her character has experienced them. Watching Barbie suppressing her feelings, so she can maintain her happy-go-lucky persona is surprisingly touching and heart-breaking.
Moments like this show Margot Robbie has a talent for making Barbie feel like a children's toy and a flesh-and-blood human being at the same time.