Hari Nef’s portrayal of Dr. Barbie in the Barbie movie has been celebrated as a significant moment for representation and comedy. When the poster featuring Nef as Dr. Barbie was released in April 2023, it sparked excitement and conversation, especially after Nef shared a heartfelt letter to director Greta Gerwig about the personal meaning of playing Barbie as a trans woman. In her letter, Nef poignantly described Barbie as “the standard; she’s The Girl,” revealing how she and her trans friends ironically adopted “the dolls” as a term of self-empowerment. This context enriches the understanding of Nef’s role in the doctor barbie movie, highlighting its cultural impact beyond entertainment.
In the film, Hari Nef fully embodies Dr. Barbie with impeccable comic timing and a dedication to wonderfully absurd mannerisms, most notably showcased in a hilariously over-the-top faux-vomiting scene. Crucially, the role of Dr. Barbie transcends harmful stereotypes often assigned to trans actors. Within the narrative of Barbie, Dr. Barbie’s trans identity is never explicitly mentioned, a deliberate choice by writer/director Greta Gerwig that avoids sensationalizing her presence. This approach, however, has not shielded the film from unwarranted criticism, with right-wing commentators and websites like Plugged In absurdly flagging Nef’s inclusion as “sexual content,” demonstrating the persistent intolerance faced by trans representation even in a film as whimsical as the doctor barbie movie.
Despite the negativity from some quarters, the overwhelming response to Hari Nef as Dr. Barbie has been overwhelmingly positive. Her performance is a joyous celebration of trans talent within mainstream cinema, and it’s a testament to the film’s progressive approach.
Barbie Movie Poster
Hari Nef’s Perfect Casting in the Doctor Barbie Movie
Hari Nef’s career trajectory, even before the doctor barbie movie, showcased her unique ability to embody both glamour and groundedness. Her early role as Amber Mugabe in the 2014 short film She Told Me She Was Dead, playing a celebrity hounded by paparazzi, alongside her modeling work, established her screen presence as something extraordinary. While Nef has demonstrated her range in more serious roles, such as in Transparent and on the New York theater stage, she also possesses a remarkable talent for portraying characters with an inherent sense of grandeur. This is evident even in her role in Assassination Nation, where her character exudes a captivating power.
This inherent quality made Hari Nef an ideal choice for Barbieland in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie. The doctor barbie movie brilliantly utilizes Nef’s strengths in playing polished, commanding figures, coupled with her exceptional comedic timing. Dr. Barbie is introduced tending to Ken’s surfing injury and later seen showcasing her DJ skills. Nef’s confident presence makes Dr. Barbie’s multifaceted talents completely believable and provides a delightful contrast to Stereotypical Barbie’s (Margot Robbie) journey of vulnerability. Adding to her perfect fit, Nef’s known appreciation for camp cinema icons like John Waters further solidified her as an ideal candidate to inject the gloriously campy energy that defines much of the doctor barbie movie.
Image of Hari Nef featured in Love Magazine, highlighting her glamorous and versatile persona.
Hari Nef’s comedic talent is undeniable, making her casting in the doctor barbie movie a stroke of genius. Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach’s screenplay is known for its quirky humor, reminiscent of Simpsons episodes and David Wain films, demanding actors who can navigate nonchalant absurdity with ease. Nef rises to this challenge effortlessly. Her comedic timing and line delivery are particularly highlighted in Dr. Barbie’s attempts to mimic a “brainwashed” Barbie, which are genuinely hilarious. There’s a deliberate stiffness to her performance, as if Dr. Barbie is fundamentally repulsed by the idea of feigning ignorance.
As seen with Julianne Moore in Boogie Nights, portraying “rigid” or “artificial” acting convincingly requires considerable skill. Nef’s portrayal of Dr. Barbie in these moments showcases precisely that level of talent and charm. It’s a supporting performance that is both memorable and delightful without overshadowing the lead performances of Robbie, Gosling, and America Ferrera. Nef’s acting in the doctor barbie movie is remarkable, and the film’s handling of a character played by a trans actress adds an even more profound layer to her wonderful portrayal.
The Profound Significance of Hari Nef as Dr. Barbie
Historically, mainstream cinema has not been kind to trans representation. The sensationalism and tragic narratives that have often defined trans characters make Hari Nef’s presence in the doctor barbie movie inherently subversive. The film’s visual style, inspired by Jacques Demy and Powell & Pressburger, stands in stark contrast to the typical cinematic approaches seen in films like The Danish Girl or The Crying Game, which often center trans narratives on suffering and otherness. The idea of a trans actress having a casual, comedic role in such a vibrant and mainstream film like the doctor barbie movie was, until recently, almost unthinkable.
In a powerful departure from these norms, Dr. Barbie is presented as simply another Barbie in Barbieland. Her identity as a trans woman is never explicitly mentioned. Instead, her defining characteristics are her medical expertise and DJ skills, along with a humorous aversion to flat feet. This allows Hari Nef to build a character beyond any potential “token” representation. However, for trans viewers aware of Nef’s identity, moments like Dr. Barbie brushing another Barbie’s hair and inviting Stereotypical Barbie to “girls’ night” are undeniably resonant. A trans woman is seamlessly integrated into the group of girlfriends, a fact never treated as unusual or noteworthy – a normalcy that remains aspirational in the real world.
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Margot Robbie as Barbie enjoying a party in Barbieland, illustrating the film’s vibrant and inclusive world.
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Returning to the subversive nature of Dr. Barbie, it is especially impactful to see Hari Nef’s character in a mainstream comedy. Historically, mainstream comedies have often relegated trans people to punchlines, reducing their existence to crude jokes about their bodies. Films like Ace Ventura Pet Detective, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, and The Hangover: Part II exemplify this problematic trend. Even in more recent years, films like Zoolander 2, Baywatch, and Deadpool have employed transphobic humor for cheap laughs. Barbie, in contrast, finds its humor in smarter, more inspired places. Hari Nef’s performance in the doctor barbie movie amplifies the film’s comedic atmosphere rather than becoming the target of mockery.
A genre that once dehumanized trans people is now used to showcase Hari Nef’s talent. Notably, in the third act, Ryan Gosling’s Ken, in a moment of chauvinistic display, refers to Dr. Barbie as “beautiful.” While the context is laced with irony, it remains a rare instance in a big-budget movie where a cis-man acknowledges a trans woman’s beauty without it being a setup for a demeaning joke.
The doctor barbie movie avoids drawing undue attention to the fact that Dr. Barbie is played by a trans woman. However, this very treatment subverts harmful stereotypes about trans representation in film. The inclusion of Hari Nef in a major mainstream comedy redefines the roles available to trans actors in American cinema. Barbie subtly shatters norms of representation, offering trans viewers a joyful, brightly colored portrayal of trans existence that many might not have realized they were longing for. The presence of Nef and other queer performers in the doctor barbie movie reinforces one of the film’s central themes: inclusivity and acceptance.
“What Was I Made For?” and Hari Nef’s Dr. Barbie
The diverse cast of Barbie, including Hari Nef, Sharon Rooney, Alexandra Shipp, Ana Kayne, and Emma Mackey, showcasing the film’s commitment to inclusive representation.
Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, especially by its conclusion, emerges as a profound exploration of identity and the importance of breaking free from societal expectations to embrace one’s true self. Ken’s journey, marked by his struggle to conform to real-world ideals of masculinity and define himself beyond Barbie, culminates in his realization that he is “Kenough” by embracing vulnerability. Stereotypical Barbie learns to accept her imperfections and emotions, realizing they are not flaws but integral parts of the human experience. These character arcs emphasize the complexities inherent in being human.
Hari Nef’s presence in the cast of the doctor barbie movie extends beyond her comedic talent; it becomes a metatextual embodiment of the film’s core message. While trans people have existed throughout history, their existence has often been marginalized and demonized. Trans individuals, especially those from further marginalized groups, often lack welcoming spaces for self-discovery. For trans people, embracing their true selves is often a conscious and courageous act, defying societal norms. However, with the freedom and support to explore their identity, profound self-realization becomes possible. The doctor barbie movie, through Nef’s casting, subtly echoes this journey of self-creation and acceptance.
In an early interview with Vice Magazine, Hari Nef articulated, “to be trans is to be vulnerable; to be trans in public is to be vulnerable in public…to be trans is to create yourself in your own image, to insist on something beyond the essentials of your body and circumstance.” These words resonate deeply with the themes of Barbie, where characters learn to embrace vulnerability and create their own identities. Hari Nef’s role in the doctor barbie movie is significant not only for her performance but also for how it enriches the film’s exploration of identity and self-acceptance, aligning with Nef’s own reflections on trans experience.
“We Yell Because the Word Matters” in the Doctor Barbie Movie
Margot Robbie as Barbie, capturing the essence of her character’s journey of self-discovery in the film.
In her 2014 Vice interview, when asked about the future for the trans community, Hari Nef responded with a hopeful, single word: “more.” The maximalist and ambitious storytelling of Barbie, and Nef’s role within it, embodies this aspiration for “more.” Dr. Barbie’s distinctive comedic style significantly contributes to the Joe Dante and David Wain-inspired humor of Barbieland. Her primary function is to be funny and enhance the film’s atmosphere, not to be defined as an “other.” A trans person simply exists and thrives in this stylized world, which is profoundly meaningful to witness in the context of the doctor barbie movie.
Even without explicitly highlighting Nef’s gender identity within the film, her presence amplifies Barbie‘s underlying themes. As Nef herself noted, the film’s message resonates deeply with trans viewers. Having a trans actress in the cast signals Greta Gerwig’s awareness of the audience who would particularly connect with Stereotypical Barbie’s journey of self-discovery. The casual inclusion of Hari Nef in Barbie challenges and subverts the typical treatment of trans women in mainstream comedies.
In contrast to the often mean-spirited portrayals of trans people in comedies like Hot Pursuit, Dr. Barbie in the doctor barbie movie is not an object of mockery or a symbol of cisgender acceptance. Gerwig’s script allows Dr. Barbie to simply exist as one of the Barbies in Barbieland, with humor derived from sharp writing and comedic timing, not transphobia. The role allows Nef to showcase her considerable talents and solidify her rising status as a performer. Dr. Barbie’s presence in Barbie is a source of joy, even if it’s simply through remembering her funniest moments.
While Dr. Barbie may not be the definitive example of perfect trans representation—not being the protagonist or surrounded by other trans characters—her presence in a mainstream film adapted from Barbie dolls carries significant weight. In Nef’s words, “Barbie’s the standard; she’s The Girl; she’s certainly THE doll.” Her decision to be part of this project stemmed from the understanding that “no doll matters more than Barbie.” For countless viewers, Hari Nef’s role in the doctor barbie movie will be deeply personally significant. Like the empowering reclamation of the word “doll,” nonchalant and positive depictions of trans lives, such as Hari Nef’s performance in Barbie, are profoundly important and resonate far beyond words.
Barbie is currently available for streaming on Max in the U.S.
