By Morgan Martin

“Birds of Prey: And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn”, released with an R rating in 2020, is the gritty and realistic movie the DCEU (DC Extended Universe) has promised fans since “Man of Steel”(2013) was announced. Neon and dazzling, “Birds of Prey” show fans how a ‘realistic’ superhero film could be done. Margot Robbie plays Harley Quinn as she navigates the fallout after breaking up with Joker. Without the mobsters’ protection, Harley is confronted with Black Mask, played by Ewan McGregor, eager to put her pig-tailed head on a pike. Outcasts Huntress, Black Canary, Cassandra Cain and Renee Montoya find themselves siding with Harley in the effort to take down Black Mask, they might be strangers but it’s time to hunt.

Let’s double back to that first sentence; “Birds of Prey'' has the intense dark undertones “Justice League''(2017) dreams of and the reality-ground charisma the MCU left behind long ago. Gotham on a sunny afternoon is funny enough but watching protagonists answer for damage incurred and grudges accumulated is a hilarious take on superhero universes I never knew I needed. The Birds of Prey are faced with a litany of real-world challenges: finding independence after an abusive relationship, persevering in a toxic workplace, leaving a misogynistic employer, creating a respectable public image and finding friendships as an adult. Oh, and Gotham’s crime lord Roman Sionis aka Black Mask wants them all dead. These women are outcasts and mad about it, so they’re going to do something about it.

Robbie plays the one and only Harley Quinn, cementing herself as the cinematic champion of Gotham. She was the highlight of “Suicide Squad”(2016) and now the psychiatrist-turned-supervillain takes the audience through her separation with the Joker and the aftermath that causes. It’s a wacky unreliable narration from a wacky unreliable gal. She’s stepped on a lot of toes but not even the Gotham police, Black Mask, angry roller derby women, or stray henchmen can break her spirit. She buys a pet (hyena), treats herself (Sal’s egg sandwich), wears clothes that make her comfortable (goodbye booty shorts), and gives herself a haircut and bangs — a typical healing path. She wants a fresh start as a strong independent villain but there are a lot of nay-sayers in her way.

Black Mask’s villainous depiction is a departure from the typical superhero film; he is narcissistic, childish, angry, shallow, and impatient. Black Mask is dangerous because he is a powerful figure in the Gotham underworld with an enthusiasm for violent and humiliating acts. His demeaning language to his female employees, harassment against dancers at his club, and penchant for removing the faces of his enemies are decidedly despicable. He’s not an easy character to look up to because there’s no clever plan or suave persona, Black Mask is just a mean guy in a powerful position. His temper tantrums and angsty monologues make him the perfect villain to root against.

“Birds of Prey” is a comic book film that actually looks like a comic book. Bright colors dominate the screen and the gymnastic fight scenes are packed with personality. Not since smash hit “Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse”(2018) has a film paid artistic homage to the comic book origins quite like this; bold costume designs, Harley’s expressive makeup, and artistic staging shows a full commitment to the pop art aesthetic. It’s such a relief when the night-time final fight uses bright clothes and appropriate lighting so the audience can easily see the action. “Birds of Prey” is intentional and detailed in depicting Harley’s looney world.

“Birds of Prey: And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn” is available on Hulu, HBO Max and Amazon Prime with subscription.

Morgan is a culture writer for La Tonique.