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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Suicide Squad (2016). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


The film begins at Belle Reve Penitentiary, where Floyd Lawton (better known as Deadshot) is seen in his cell, vigorously working on a punching bag. The guards, led by Captain Griggs (Ike Barinholtz), deliver a subpar meal to him. When Griggs mocks Deadshot, Floyd makes a menacing promise to take revenge, prompting Griggs to have him restrained and beaten by fellow guards.

In a different part of the prison, Harley Quinn, portrayed by Margot Robbie, hangs upside down, confined in her makeshift cage. When Griggs comes to visit her, he maliciously activates the electric bars, which sends Harley into a flashback of her first days in confinement, illuminating her descent into madness.

The narrative shifts to the aftermath of Superman’s demise, as Amanda Waller (played by Viola Davis) meets with Admiral Olsen (Ted Whittall) and Dexter Tolliver (David Harbour) to brainstorm the formation of Task Force X. Her ambitious plan involves recruiting the most dangerous criminals to confront imminent threats. Waller methodically reviews her candidates starting with Deadshot, who is depicted as a lethal marksman. A flashback reveals Floyd’s conflict with his daughter, Zoe (Shailyn Pierre-Dixon), who grapples with her father’s criminal legacy and his capture by Batman (Ben Affleck).

Next, Waller selects Harley, a former psychiatrist who became infatuated with The Joker (Jared Leto) during her last session. Harley’s transformation into his devoted accomplice is illustrated through flashbacks showcasing their tumultuous relationship, culminating in her imprisonment after an escapade with Joker, where they faced off against Batman.

Waller continues to build her roster, including Digger Harkness (Jai Courtney) as Captain Boomerang, Chato Santana (Jay Hernandez) known as El Diablo, and Waylon Jones/Killer Croc (Adewale Akinnouye-Agbaje), each with their own dark stories. Additionally, Dr. June Moone (Cara Delevingne) is introduced, having unwittingly unleashed an ancient spirit called Enchantress. Waller controls Enchantress with her heart, setting up her leverage in the mission. Colonel Rick Flag (Joel Kinnaman), romantically linked with June, supports Waller’s ambitions.

Gathering at the Pentagon, discussions revolve around the covert operations of Task Force X. Despite skepticism from the higher-ups, Waller demonstrates Enchantress’s capabilities, solidifying her plan.

In an effort to induct her recruits, Waller visits Belle Reve with Flag and June. She permits Floyd a chance to showcase his skills with an array of firearms, while he puts forth demands that advocate for his freedom and his daughter’s custody—requests that Flag denies.

As night falls, Enchantress reveals herself, striking fear into Flag with visions of June’s demise. Meanwhile, Joker, learning of Harley’s predicament, orchestrates chaos by capturing Griggs and making his own plans to rescue her by attacking the facility responsible for the nano bombs controlling the recruits.

As the squad is assembled and outfitted, they are injected with explosive devices to ensure compliance on their mission to neutralize a dangerous entity threatening Midway City. During transit, they meet Katana, Flag’s fierce guard wielding a sword that captures souls.

Upon their arrival in Midway City, chaos ensues as Enchantress’s minions ambush them. As they battle, Deadshot proves his marksmanship, while Harley showcases her unpredictable combat skills. However, El Diablo remains hesitant to use his powers until forced into action, incinerating their foes in a display of his fire mastery.

With their path forward riddled with obstacles, the squad presses on, facing off against more of Enchantress’s monstrous creations. However, Deadshot’s revelation about their true purpose fuels a pivotal moment where the team decides to bond over shared experiences, igniting a sense of camaraderie.

They concoct a plan to plant a bomb to subdue Incubus, a creature summoned by Enchantress. As they enact their strategy, Deadshot confronts horrific illusions created by Enchantress, bringing forth their deepest desires. Despite the temptations, they rally against the witch utilizing their specialties.

In a climactic showdown, Harley cunningly subverts Enchantress, exploiting her vulnerabilities, while Deadshot dismantles the machine intended to eradicate humanity as they face insurmountable odds. The squad shows immense growth and cohesion, culminating in Flag crushing Enchantress’s heart, liberating June and securing their victory.

As the story nears its conclusion, Waller offers the squad reduced sentences but retains control over their fates while they adjust to their new reality within the penitentiary. Just when it seems calm, a brigade led by Joker storms the prison, reuniting him with Harley.

In a mid-credits scene, Waller meets Bruce Wayne, seeking protection for Task Force X’s actions in exchange for insights into future threats, hinting at broader implications for the DC universe.

Timeline

Track the key events of Suicide Squad (2016) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Deadshot's Confinement

The film opens at Belle Reve Penitentiary, where Floyd Lawton, also known as Deadshot, is seen in his cell. He is training vigorously on a punching bag when guards led by Captain Griggs deliver a subpar meal and mock him, igniting a violent reaction.

Belle Reve Penitentiary

Harley's Captivity

In a separate section of the prison, Harley Quinn is confined within a cage, hanging upside down. When Captain Griggs activates the electric bars as a cruel joke, Harley experiences a flashback that showcases her descent into madness even further.

Belle Reve Penitentiary

Formation of Task Force X

The narrative transitions to Amanda Waller, who meets with Admiral Olsen and Dexter Tolliver to discuss the formation of Task Force X. Waller's ambition is to recruit the most dangerous criminals to combat impending threats in the wake of Superman's death.

Recruitment of Deadshot

Waller begins her task by reviewing potential candidates, starting with Deadshot, known for his lethal marksmanship. Flashbacks reveal Floyd's troubled relationship with his daughter, Zoe, who is struggling with the impact of his criminal lifestyle.

Harley's Backstory

Next, Waller selects Harley Quinn, a former psychiatrist who fell for The Joker. Flashbacks illustrate their toxic relationship and Harley's transformation into his devoted accomplice, ending with her incarceration after a confrontation with Batman.

Gathering the Crew

Waller expands her team by including Digger Harkness, known as Captain Boomerang, Chato Santana (El Diablo), and Waylon Jones (Killer Croc). Each character is introduced with their dark backstories, deepening the complexity of the group.

Unleashing Enchantress

The introduction of Dr. June Moone occurs as she unwittingly releases an ancient spirit called Enchantress. Waller takes her heart as leverage, ensuring control over the powerful entity for the upcoming mission.

Pentagon Briefing

At the Pentagon, Waller outlines her plans for the covert operations of Task Force X amidst skepticism from higher-ups. To prove her point, she showcases Enchantress's formidable capabilities, bolstering her strategy.

Pentagon

Assembling the Squad

Waller visits Belle Reve with Colonel Rick Flag and June to finalize the recruitment. Deadshot demonstrates his exceptional shooting skills, but his demands for freedom and custody of his daughter are firmly denied by Flag.

Belle Reve Penitentiary

Joker's Intervention

As the squad prepares for their mission, the Joker learns about Harley's predicament and initiates a chaotic rescue plan. He captures Captain Griggs, using this opportunity to create diversions to aid Harley's escape.

Arrival in Midway City

Upon arriving in Midway City, the squad faces immediate danger as they are ambushed by Enchantress's minions. As the chaos unfolds, Deadshot's marksmanship and Harley's unpredictable skills come to the forefront as they fight for survival.

Midway City

The Power of El Diablo

El Diablo initially hesitates to unleash his powers during the battle, but when pushed, he displays his destructive fire abilities. This pivotal moment showcases his character growth, as he embraces his powers to protect the team.

Midway City

Bonding as a Team

As the squad encounters fierce monsters conjured by Enchantress, they discover their true purpose and begin to bond over their shared experiences. This newfound camaraderie ignites a determination to fight together against their oppressor.

Midway City

Final Confrontation with Enchantress

In a climactic showdown, Harley cunningly exploits Enchantress's weaknesses while Deadshot works to dismantle a device meant to threaten humanity. Their teamwork and growth culminate in Flag crushing Enchantress's heart, liberating June and securing their victory.

Midway City

Waller's Ultimatum

In the aftermath, Amanda Waller offers the squad reduced sentences but maintains control over their futures. As they process their new reality, they are suddenly met with chaos as the Joker storms the prison to reclaim Harley.

Belle Reve Penitentiary

Mid-Credits Meeting

In a mid-credits scene, Waller meets with Bruce Wayne, seeking assurances for Task Force X's operations while offering insights into looming threats. This meeting hints at greater implications and future conflicts within the DC universe.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Suicide Squad (2016) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Floyd Lawton / Deadshot

Deadshot is a highly skilled assassin renowned for his marksmanship and lethal combat skills. He struggles with his criminal legacy and the desire to protect his daughter, which drives many of his choices. His complexity lies in balancing his instincts as a killer with his longing for redemption.

🔫 Assassin 👨‍👧 Father

Harley Quinn

Harley Quinn is a former psychiatrist who becomes the Joker's devoted accomplice. Her vibrant personality masks a deeper madness, and her unpredictable nature makes her both a formidable combatant and a deeply empathetic character longing for love and acceptance. Her chaotic behavior adds a layer of unpredictability to the squad.

❤️ Love 🎭 Chaos

Amanda Waller

Amanda Waller is a cunning and strategic mastermind who orchestrates the formation of Task Force X. Known for her ruthless ambition, she manipulates the circumstances surrounding the squad for her own goals, showcasing the complexities of power and control.

🧠 Strategist 🔥 Ruthless

Rick Flag

Rick Flag is a military officer tasked with leading Task Force X. He wrestles with his romantic feelings for June Moone while trying to maintain control over the chaotic squad. His sense of duty is strong, but his empathy for his team adds depth to his character.

🪖 Leader 💔 Torn

Setting

Uncover the settings of Suicide Squad (2016), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

The film takes place in a contemporary setting, shortly after the death of Superman, highlighting the immediate fallout in a world grappling with powerful threats. The characters face modern challenges as they navigate their complex pasts and the dynamics of their dangerous mission.

Location

Belle Reve Penitentiary, Midway City

Belle Reve Penitentiary is a high-security prison known for housing the most dangerous criminals. It serves as a pivotal location for the formation of Task Force X, where Amanda Waller recruits her team. Midway City, a bustling urban environment, becomes the battlefield for the squad's mission against Enchantress's monstrous creations.

🏢 Prison 🌆 City

Themes

Explore the core themes of Suicide Squad (2016). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


🤝

Camaraderie

The theme of camaraderie unfolds as the squad, comprised of misfit villains, learns to work together despite their dark pasts. Their shared experiences and struggles lead to a bond that transforms them from individualistic criminals into a cohesive team, highlighting how unity can emerge in the unlikeliest of circumstances.

💔

Redemption

Each character grapples with their past sins, yearning for redemption while facing the consequences of their actions. Deadshot's desire to be a better father and Harley's chaotic love for the Joker illustrate the longing for a second chance, underscoring the personal stakes at play within the film.

🌪️

Chaos

Chaos reigns as the squad battles both external threats and their inner demons. The unpredictable nature of their mission, coupled with Enchantress’s formidable powers, intensifies the turmoil they face, reflecting the unpredictable essence of their characters and motivations.

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