Apple has strategically chosen this week to release its own highly anticipated toy biopic, The Beanie Bubble, right alongside Warner Bros’ upcoming blockbuster Barbie. The timing couldn’t be better, as both films explore themes of female empowerment that are sure to resonate with audiences. This trend of origin stories for popular products, such as Air, Tetris, Flamin’ Hot, BlackBerry, Barbie, has been a hit in Hollywood this year, and The Beanie Bubble is no exception. Directed by the talented husband-and-wife team of Damian Kulash Jr and Kristin Gore, this film takes a sharp look at the Beanie Baby phenomenon of the 1990s. However, it goes beyond the toys themselves and delves into the relationships of the people behind the craze.
The story centers around the self-centered founder of the Beanies, Ty Warner, played by Zach Galifianakis. The filmmakers take a clever non-linear approach, spanning several decades, to tell the complex tale of three women who played pivotal roles in Warner’s success. Elizabeth Banks portrays Robbie Jones, a next-door neighbor who not only becomes Warner’s business partner but also engages in an affair with him. Sarah Snook shines as lighting designer Sheila Harper, who anxiously waits for a meeting with Warner at his extravagant mansion. Geraldine Viswanathan brings youthful energy to the role of Maya Kumar, a college student whose internet savvy proves invaluable to the company.
As the film jumps back and forth between these three storylines, we witness the exhilarating highs and devastating lows of the women’s interactions with Warner. The Beanie Bubble becomes a global sensation, but like any fad, it eventually bursts. This captivating film explores not only the rise and fall of the Beanie Baby phenomenon but also the personal journeys of the individuals involved.
So, get ready to be swept away by the fascinating world of The Beanie Bubble and discover the untold stories behind one of the most beloved toy crazes of the 1990s.
