What is the importance of Gloria’s relationship with Sasha in “Barbie?”
In the technicolor universe of "Barbie," a whimsical narrative unpacks a societal metaphor within a plot that borrows heavily from the simplistic tropes of classic toys. It is in this fantastical space where we see the unveiling of a rich and nuanced relationship that beautifully parallels our own human experiences, specifically in the mother-daughter dynamic between Sasha and Gloria.
Just like the complex threading of familial ties in the celebrated series "Gilmore Girls," Sasha and Gloria's relationship in "Barbie" may initially seem straightforward, an average mother-daughter relationship navigating the roller coaster ride of teenage years. However, as the movie's story unfolds, this relationship becomes a profound exploration of generational expectations and female empowerment, a theme that echoes the dynamics in "Gilmore Girls," albeit with a much more light-hearted and playful touch.
Gloria, much like Lorelai Gilmore, faces her own midlife crisis, finding comfort in playing with Sasha's Barbie toys, an inadvertent cry for solace and escape from adult responsibilities and societal pressures. It's reminiscent of how Lorelai finds solace in the quirky, carefree lifestyle of Stars Hollow, distancing herself from the high societal expectations of her wealthy parents. The toys, in Gloria's case, serve as an outlet for her subconscious, transferring her worries and anxieties onto Stereotypical Barbie.
This mirroring of adult concerns onto the youthful and seemingly carefree world of dolls, and in Lorelai's case, the small town quirkiness, forms a nuanced parallel between the two narratives. It exposes the facade of perfection that many women feel obligated to uphold and shows the inner turmoil that often lies beneath. In both narratives, the daughters (Sasha and Rory) end up becoming inadvertent witnesses to their mothers' crises, resulting in a role reversal that throws their own expectations and perceptions of adulthood and womanhood into disarray.
As for Sasha, her character trajectory is strikingly parallel to Rory Gilmore's journey. Both start as slightly naive and sheltered young girls, forced to face a reality check when their mothers' struggles become apparent. Sasha's initial mocking of Barbie is an outward manifestation of her own teenage insecurities, much like Rory's initial embarrassment and conflict over her mother's whimsical and non-conformist attitudes. Sasha, like Rory, grows by coming to terms with her mother's struggles and imperfections.
However, unlike in "Gilmore Girls," where Rory and Lorelai continue their journey in the real world, Sasha and Gloria's story takes a leap into fantasy. The fantastical elements in "Barbie" serve to amplify the realities of their situation, throwing Sasha and Gloria's relationship into the stark light of surrealism. This sheds a new light on their dynamics, providing a fresh perspective on the intricate ties of mother-daughter relationships.
Interestingly, the film also parallels the dynamics between Stereotypical Barbie and Ken, subtly pointing towards the generational passing of gender norms and societal expectations. Barbie's struggle with identity and self-worth echoes Sasha's internal battle, while Ken's sudden thirst for patriarchal power hints at Gloria's midlife crisis. Both pairs are grappling with societal roles, expectations, and the power dynamics embedded within them, highlighting how these issues span across real and fantastical worlds, affecting women regardless of age or origin.
In conclusion, "Barbie" intricately weaves a story of self-discovery, gender dynamics, and societal expectations through a nuanced mother-daughter relationship. While initially it may not seem evident, by drawing parallels with a well-loved series like "Gilmore Girls," we can delve deeper into Sasha and Gloria's relationship. This unconventional reading reveals how "Barbie" plays with societal metaphors through the tropes of classic toys and their stories, providing a fresh and insightful perspective into the issues women face across generations.
