In regards to the Barbies “snapping out of it,” here’s a quick refresher about how Gloria and Margot Robbie’s Stereotypical Barbie use this monologue for good. After Ken (Ryan Gosling) transforms the matriarchal Barbie Land into a convoluted patriarchy that centers mostly around mini-fridges, giant fur coats, and horses, Barbie and Gloria are left to try and convince a bunch of brainwashed Barbies that they don’t want to spend their time serving “brewski beers” to their Kens. When Gloria delivers her speech, not only does Barbie feel better, but Writer Barbie (Alexandra Shipp) snaps out of her fugue state — relieved that she no longer has to feel anything in particular about Zack Snyder’s cut of “Justice League.”
From there, Gloria and the unprogrammed Barbies — as well as Michael Cera’s Allan — work together to distract Kens while they steal said brainwashed Barbies away. Gloria then delivers different versions of her speech, of which we only hear snippets … but it works. Gloria’s monologue is as effective in-universe as it is when you’re simply watching the movie, and it’s stunning to learn that phrase “always be grateful” — a line that rings so true for so many women and feminine people — was improvised by Ferrera.
