Film About Feminist Doll Stirs Excitement and Controversy in Saudi Arabia

Last weekend, Riyadh’s theaters resonated with both amusement and profound introspection as locals came dressed in shades of pink to witness the controversial film, “Barbie.” The narrative, which speaks to overturning male dominance, had audience members across Saudi Arabia reflecting deeply on its implications.

Though many nations in the Middle East expressed reservations, with some like Kuwait outright banning it, Saudis turned up in droves. The film’s audacious portrayal of a matriarchal Barbie society raised eyebrows and elicited laughter. One particular dialogue, in which a male character ponders his worth in such a society, especially struck a chord.

21-year-old Mohammed al-Sayed, donned in pink, felt a personal connection, recalling his uncertainties during his early college years. His friend, Nawaf al-Dossary, also 20, seconded this sentiment, emphasizing the film’s relatability.

Despite the progress, the kingdom’s foundation remains steeped in patriarchal norms. This is why the delay in “Barbie’s” release led to speculations about potential censorship or even a complete ban. This skepticism was heightened by Kuwait’s decision to ban the movie.

The film didn’t just face opposition from regional nations. In Saudi Arabia, while many embraced the movie’s themes, there were dissenters like entrepreneur Wafa Alrushaid. She criticized it as a skewed representation of feminism and an attack on traditional family values.

Interestingly, this controversy mirrors debates in the U.S., revealing how culture clashes in one part of the world can resonate in another. For instance, the animated film “Lightyear” faced bans over a same-sex kiss scene. Regional calls for content censorship aren’t new, and platforms like Netflix have faced similar demands.

Recent years have seen a rise in conservatism in countries like Kuwait, leading to calls for bans on such content. Many were bemused by the fact that for once, they’d need to visit Saudi Arabia for a more liberal cinema experience.

As audiences exited the Riyadh theaters, it was evident that “Barbie” left a lasting impression. Yara Mohammed, 26, brushed off the controversy, while Abrar Saad, 28, believed the film underlined the importance of both genders.

Teenagers Aljohara and Ghada, however, found deeper meanings. While Aljohara appreciated the ending which hinted at gender equality, Ghada felt equity was a more suitable approach.

To the surprise of many, the film remained largely uncensored, retaining even its most audacious scenes and dialogues, a testament to the rapidly changing socio-cultural landscape of Saudi Arabia.