SPOILER ALERT: Do not read below if you have not seen "Barbie", as details from the movie are revealed.
The viewers of "Barbie" are probably quite surprised by the end of the movie.
In the film, the character Ruth Handler (who in real life invented the doll) explains that "Barbie" does not have an ending. Instead, the film closes with Barbie embarking on the full human experience – an appointment with the gynecologist.
She looks like she's going to a job interview, but it turns out she's actually at a doctor's office. “I'm here to see my gynecologist,” says Barbie, smiling, despite having no genitalia (which is joked about earlier in the film).
Why is something as mundane as an appointment with the gynecologist so important?
"Reproductive health care is still not considered part of total health and wellness. This applies not only to people in their reproductive years, but also to those who are in menopause and need care during and after menopause," Dr. Leana Wen.
“When everyone sees Barbie going to the gynecologist, it normalizes the experience. This reinforces the understanding that reproductive health is an integral part of overall health," she added.
"I hope that's one of the messages of this scene, which is that every girl, every woman, every person who has female reproductive organs should have regular preventive care to address their reproductive health."
Director Greta Gerwig explained the end of the film like this:
“When I was a teenager, I remember growing up and being embarrassed about my body and just feeling ashamed in a way that I can't even describe. It felt like everything had to be hidden," she told USA Today.
"And then to see Margot [as Barbie], with that big smile on her face, saying that phrase with so much happiness and joy, I wanted to convey to the girls the idea that 'Barbie does this too' [so , goes to the gynecologist]."
