The theater was buzzing with excitement, filled with moviegoers dressed in pink, cutting across gender barriers. Power suits were worn by women in the shade.

Men, too, caught my attention with rosy polos and shirts channeling their ‘Kenergy’. In my experience, the movie’s universal appeal was evident.

There was an electrifying energy in the air as the lights dimmed. There was a shared enthusiasm for discovering Barbie’s latest adventure through the eyes of filmmaker Greta Gerwig, an American actor, filmmaker, and screenwriter.

We were about to be transported beyond our wildest imaginations, little did I know.

She discovered that the estrogen-fuelled paradise she had left behind had been replaced by a jarring reality.

A society that fell short of her lofty ideals sank her heart as she stepped into the real world. A world where gender equality was the norm, a female president, and Nobel laureates were no longer dreams. In reality, progress and setbacks were interwoven, reflecting both aspirations and limitations.

There was no escaping the devastating truth. There was no omnipotent role model she had imagined herself to be. There were immense, deeply entrenched, and difficult challenges women faced here. The journey of Barbie took an unexpected turn as she grappled with the reality that change is a gradual process, requiring unwavering determination and collaboration.

Ken was, perhaps surprisingly, the one who found himself energised by the real-world dynamics where he discovered a power structure that favoured him. His attention was drawn to this new paradigm’s allure. Ken inadvertently carried these newfound ideals back to Barbie Land as Barbie confronted the disillusionment of her fantasies. The feeling in the theatre was one of empathy, understanding, and a touch of discomfort. There was a sense that the story transcended the screen and touched the hearts of those watching.

As Amna Khan, a 21-year-old cinemagoer, watched the movie, she found herself caught up in a current of empathy carrying her own emotions along with Barbie’s. A deep resonance resonated within her as she went from idyllic innocence to grappling with the gritty unknown.

In recalling her experience, she noted that the screen seemed to reflect times in her own life when she faced the unexpected or encountered unanticipated obstacles. In that theatre, I was able to connect Barbie’s struggle with my own.

The story of women breaking down barriers and achieving recognition in every field is one of triumph and tenacity. This is unquestionably an example of the strength of will and the uncompromising spirit of womanhood. Under the sparkling surface, however, societal biases and preconceived notions persist relentlessly, casting shadows on the road towards progress.

During her review of the Gerwig directorial, Farah Hassan – a 26-year-old Barbie fan – said the irony transformed into a potent mirror through clever humour and sharp wit, exposing outdated concepts still prevalent today.