Birds of Prey: A Fantabulous and Violent Emancipation
Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie) has broken up with the Joker, but the criminal underworld hasn’t gotten the memo. Gotham’s most dangerous villain no longer protects the unhinged Harley, leaving her free to wreak havoc as she pleases. Nursing a broken heart, Harley unleashes her fury on toxic men, making a long list of enemies. When word of the split reaches Roman Sionis (Ewan McGregor), a local crime lord, he sees an opportunity to eliminate Harley once and for all. But when Harley is captured, she makes a deal to save her life: Sionis needs a missing diamond, the key to a fortune that would make him the city’s ruler. Harley promises to retrieve it in exchange for his protection. However, as she embarks on this dangerous mission, she realizes she doesn’t need a protector, especially after meeting a new crew: detective Renee Montoya, Black Canary, Huntress, and the young pickpocket Cassandra Cain.
“Birds of Prey” is what “Suicide Squad” should have been if it hadn’t descended into chaos. It captures the spirit of “Suicide Squad” and the recent “Joker,” exploring the complex psyches of anti-heroes and transforming them into protagonists. Learning from past mistakes, the creators of “Birds of Prey” simplified the characters, embraced self-deprecating humor (essential for any comic book movie), and delivered a successful, entertaining film with kitsch, jokes, and an R-rating.
Director Cathy Yan and screenwriter Christina Hodson skillfully introduced multiple heroines without overwhelming the audience (unlike “Suicide Squad”). While it’s primarily Harley’s story, each supporting character is well-developed, leaving room for sequels. Despite frequent mentions of the Joker, he doesn’t appear, and no one seems to miss him (sorry, Jared). With Ewan McGregor’s captivating portrayal of a deranged villain, no other criminal upstarts are needed.
Action-Packed and Unapologetically Violent
Chad Stahelski, director of “John Wick,” contributed to the film’s brilliant action sequences, evident in the intense fight scenes and adrenaline-fueled chases. Confetti guns and a shootout in an amusement park are exactly what you’d expect from a superhero movie about villainesses. This isn’t like the pink title cards in the “Charlie’s Angels” reboot; here, necks are snapped, legs are devoured by hyenas – it’s stylish and brutal (justifying the R-rating).
Emancipation: A Core Theme
The film is about emancipation: Harley realizes she doesn’t need a protector and can control the criminal world herself; Renee doesn’t need her colleagues’ approval to deliver justice. The story is relevant, told without moralizing (unlike “Charlie’s Angels”), but with plenty of broken kneecaps. “Birds of Prey” has the potential to become a compelling franchise, with enough villainesses in the DCEU to challenge the patriarchal system, starting on the big screen. In the end, the girls will reclaim their power, one way or another.