Barbie's Journey: A Celebration of Pop Culture and Hidden References

Barbie's Phenomenal Success and Pop Culture Impact

Barbie, based on the famous Mattel doll, has taken the world by storm, becoming the highest-grossing film of 2023. Greta Gerwig's directorial masterwork has captivated audiences with its portrayal of Stereotypical Barbie, played by the talented Margot Robbie, and Stereotypical Ken, portrayed by Ryan Gosling. The movie's success has sparked a 'Barbenheimer' craze, reminiscent of Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer, and has left an indelible mark on pop culture.

The WB logo on a movie screen and Margot Robbie as Barbie

The film's impressive marketing campaign has contributed to its widespread popularity, drawing audiences into the enchanting world of Barbieland and the intriguing connection to the real world. Alongside the excitement surrounding the movie's release, the plethora of Easter eggs and references to other movies, TV shows, and pop culture phenomena has added an extra layer of excitement for fans, making Barbie a cultural phenomenon.

Sasha looking confused at surprised Barbie and Gloria

Sasha's Reference to The Shining in Barbie

In a pivotal scene, Sasha's comment in Barbie sparks intrigue and adds a layer of depth to the storyline. Ariana Greenblatt's portrayal of Sasha, a high-school student, brings a surprising connection to Stephen King's 1977 novel, The Shining. Sasha's reference to 'the shine' draws a parallel to the telepathic ability of Danny Torrance in The Shining, creating an unexpected link between Sasha, her mother Gloria (played by America Ferrera), and the enigmatic doll, Barbie.

Sasha's attempt to make sense of the connection between her mother and the doll through the reference to 'the shine' adds a thought-provoking element to the narrative. This subtle nod to Stephen King's work not only enriches the storyline but also highlights the depth of the characters and their interconnectedness, creating a captivating experience for viewers.

Barbie's Studio Connection and Celebration of Pop Culture

The inclusion of the Stephen King reference in Barbie goes beyond a simple nod to the iconic author's work. It also holds a significant studio connection, as Barbie is a Warner Bros. production, much like The Shining and other movies referenced throughout the film. This studio connection adds an intriguing layer of depth to the reference, emphasizing the seamless integration of pop culture elements into the narrative of Barbie.

Barbie's celebration of pop culture extends beyond the Stephen King reference, encompassing nods to iconic movies such as The Matrix, The Wizard of Oz, the Snyder Cut of Justice League, and more. The film serves as both a celebration and a critique of pop culture, weaving a tapestry of references that enrich the viewing experience and invite audiences to explore the interconnected world of pop culture.