The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
Greta Gerwig explains Barbie’s ‘mic-drop’ ending: ‘I knew I wanted to end on a joke’
Director’s much-hyped movie is out in cinemas now
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Greta Gerwig has explained Barbie’s “mic drop” ending, revealing that its one-liner took inspiration from her personal experience as a teenage girl.
The director’s much-hyped movie, which has already broken box office records during its opening weekend, stars Margot Robbie as the iconic Mattel doll. In the film Robbie’s Barbie ventures out of Barbieland into the real world to repair a rift between the two.
*Barbie spoilers below – you have been warned*
At the end of the film, when Robbie’s Stereotypical Barbie has patched the rift, she finally embarks on a journey of self-discovery as a human.
In the final scene, America Ferreira’s Gloria (the only female Mattel employee) drives Barbie to what initially appears to be a job interview.
However, after walking up to the office’s counter, Barbie proudly announces: “I’m here to see my gynaecologist.” The screen then cuts to black, signalling the end of the movie.
Speaking to USA Today in a new interview, Gerwig shared that “with this film, it was important for me that everything operated on at least two levels”.
“I knew I wanted to end on a mic-drop kind of joke, but I also find it very emotional,” the Lady Bird director, 39, said.
“When I was a teenage girl, I remember growing up and being embarrassed about my body, and just feeling ashamed in a way that I couldn’t even describe. It felt like everything had to be hidden.”
She continued: “And then to see Margot as Barbie, with this big old smile on her face, saying what she says at the end with such happiness and joy. I was like, if I can give girls that feeling of, ‘Barbie does it, too’ – that’s both funny and emotional.”
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Gerwig pointed out that the film features “many” moments that adopt this tone, saying: “It was always about looking for the levity and the heart.”
Barbie has received rapturous reviews from critics. The Independent’s Clarisse Loughrey called it a “near-miraculous achievement from Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie” in her five-star review.
Meanwhile, it’s absolutely smashing box office expectations and is now on track to take $155m (£120m) in North America. Internationally, the film has already debuted globally at a whopping $337m (£288.3m).
Barbie is out in cinemas now.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments