The simultaneous release of Greta Gerwig’s Barbie and Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, now known as “Barbenheimer,” has quickly become the movie event of the year, sweeping pop culture and breaking all kinds of box office records. We share our takes on each film, put them in conversation with one another, and posit their cultural, political, and film industry significance. Rather than reviewing the two films in succession, we’re embracing the very idea of Barbeheimer with one big conversation about both films together.

Movie News Check-In 2:20

The writer and actors strikes, and how The Long Take Review plans to show support.

Barbenheimer at the box office. 7:12

Our Barbenheimer Experiences 13:38

The Short Take What did we think of the films? Who “won” Barbenheimer? 19:03

The Recommendation Algorithm What advice do we have? Do you need to see other films by these directors? 43:04

SPOILER MODE We discuss spoilers for both films together. 50:27

The Rhetorical Situation How did Barbenheimer happen? Who can take credit for it? What does it say about our culture? What is social constructionism and what does it have to do with Barbeneheimer? 51:54

Oscars Watch How many nominations could each of these films get? 1:43:47

Image Credit: Time

Intro and outro music is “Divers,” by Hara Noda, licensed through Epidemic Sound.

Logo art: Illustration 73265080 © Worldofvector | Dreamstime.com

Get full access to The Long Take at thelongtake.substack.com/subscribe