Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) 2020

The movie opens with Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie) narrating her life story through a vibrant animated sequence. Growing up, she endured a tumultuous childhood with a neglectful, alcoholic father who abandoned her at a Catholic girls’ school. Despite her rebellious spirit, Harley pursued her education and achieved a PhD, ultimately becoming a psychologist. It was here that she encountered The Joker, falling deeply in love and transforming from Harleen Quinzel to the infamous Harley Quinn. However, following their recent breakup—after he helped her escape from prison as depicted in ‘Suicide Squad’—Harley’s bravado masks her emotional turmoil. Living alone in a dilapidated apartment with her pet hyena, Bruce (named after Bruce Wayne), she struggles to cope with the fallout of the relationship.

Harley’s journey takes her to the Black Mask club run by Roman Sionis (Ewan McGregor), where she attempts to drown her sorrows in alcohol. After a confrontation with a thug that ends with her smashing his leg, she learns that her recent single status has stripped her of the protection she once had—her romance with the Joker had kept her safe from Gotham’s criminal underbelly. Amidst whispers from other women belittling her without the Joker, Harley makes an explosive statement by driving her truck into Ace Chemicals, the site of many shared memories with her ex, igniting the facility in a dramatic display of fireworks.

As Detective Renee Montoya (Rosie Perez) investigates a mob hit involving the notorious Helena Bertinelli (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), a flashback reveals Helena’s brutal reputation as the “Crossbow Killer.” An explosion at the chemical plant signals Harley’s declaration of independence, igniting a quest for vengeance from formidable foes, including Roman and his ruthless confidant Victor Zsasz (Chris Messina), who carves notches into his flesh for each kill.

In a series of chaotic events, Harley finds herself pursuing a stolen diamond held by a young pickpocket named Cassandra Cain (Ella Jay Basco), after a frustrating encounter with Montoya leads to a wild chase. Amidst the turmoil, Harley and her newfound allies, including Dinah Lance (Jurnee Smollett), team up to navigate the dangerous landscape of Gotham’s criminal world, coming face to face with Zsasz and Roman’s henchmen.

As the story unfolds, the fierce women confront their pasts, forge alliances, and discover strength in one another. Each character battles personal demons while plotting a glorious takedown of Roman, culminating in a spectacular showdown. Harley, straddling the line between chaos and camaraderie, leads her motley crew into battle, armed with improvised weapons and fierce determination.

Ultimately, the women ensure Roman meets a fitting end, freeing themselves from his tyrannical grip. They celebrate their unexpected victory over tacos and margaritas, with Cass and Harley embarking on a new chapter together, hinting at a partnership filled with mischief. As the credits roll, Harley’s voice teasingly prepares to reveal a secret about Batman, leaving audiences eager for more.