Summer Nights of the Living Dead: The Return of Oppenheimer and Barbie

Abstract

Two movies appeared at the same time in the summer of 2023, Oppenheimer and Barbie. Although they seem to be quite different, they were joined together in the public eye, being referred to as “Barbieheimer”. They were also notable for being very popular, although neither is a typical “summer movie”. Each is focused on a serious social problem that was thought to be urgent in earlier years but is now in the forefront of the public mind. The contrasts and similarities of the two movies are discussed. Reasons are suggested for the success of the two movies in spite of their difference from the usual summer movie form. The current trends in American politics are seen as a context for the public response.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).