As the Barbenheimer era kicks off with the release of both Barbie and Oppenheimer last weekend, enthusiastic film fans who rushed to see both movies are now issuing a word of caution to future cinemagoers.
Despite the stark contrast in tone between the two films – one being a biographical thriller about the creation of the atomic bomb and the other a fantasy comedy about a plastic doll – audiences worldwide have eagerly anticipated their simultaneous release.
Oppenheimer, based on the novel “American Prometheus” by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin, follows the gripping story of physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, portrayed by Cillian Murphy, as he and a team of scientists work to develop the world’s first atomic bomb during World War II. On the other hand, Barbie features Margot Robbie as the lead doll, accompanied by Ryan Gosling’s Ken, in a tale that sees Barbie embarking on a journey to find true happiness after being exiled from Barbieland for not fitting the perfect doll image.
Despite the divergent narratives, moviegoers have been treating these films as an unofficial double feature, watching them back-to-back on the big screen. However, those who have experienced both cinematic adventures are now taking to social media to warn others about the correct order in which to watch them. The overwhelming consensus is that viewers should refrain from watching Oppenheimer before Barbie.
A viral tweet with a disheveled Ryan Gosling from “The Nice Guys” serves as a humorous warning, accumulating over 11 million views. Countless fans echoed the sentiment, cautioning against watching Oppenheimer first, as it might leave one feeling emotionally drained and overwhelmed.
Despite the advice, some moviegoers are defying the suggested order, boldly declaring their intention to watch Oppenheimer before Barbie, revealing their excitement for the experience. The debate continues on social media, with some users humorously comparing their post-movie feelings to scenes of explosions and running through corridors.
While opinions vary, it’s clear that audiences are passionate about the films and are actively discussing their preferences online. It seems that agreement on the viewing order remains elusive, but the enthusiasm for both Barbie and Oppenheimer is palpable among film enthusiasts.