On February 7th, DC’s Birds of Prey hit theaters, and with its women-lead cast and crew, as well as its feminist storyline, it has proven to be the fun superhero film we’ve been waiting for.
While the previous film of the cinematic universe, Suicide Squad, was more male-centered and sexualized the main female role of Harley Quinn, Margot Robbie set out as both producer and lead-actress to turn Harley Quinn’s story into one of emancipation and empowerment.
The film’s plot sets off after Harley Quinn’s break-up with the Joker, and she goes through all the post-break-up depression tropes before finding herself wrapped up in a mission to find an elusive diamond. As they say, diamonds are a girl’s best friend—but Harley Quinn soon discovers the power of best friends may be worth more than any diamond, as she forms a badass squad of women to fight against criminals and rich creeps.
Birds of Prey is directed by Cathy Yan, an upcoming director who previously worked in indie films. The rest of the cast and crew is led mainly by women as well, with scriptwriter Christina Hodson and, of course, the main actresses, including Margot Robbie, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and Jurnee Smollett-Bell.
Rosie Perez, who plays Renee Montoya in the film, speaks about the importance of having a film with such a strong, female-led cast and crew in the spotlight, saying, “There’s a necessity to continue to talk about it until it becomes the norm, which it has not.” After the recent fiasco of the Oscars snubbing so many women in film, it’s hard to disagree with Perez’s sentiment.
Even the film’s soundtrack is a fun compilation from a variety of women in music, perfect for the film it serenades. Featured artists include Doja Cat, Halsey, Megan Thee Stallion, and Normani.
With Birds of Prey, the long-awaited Black Widow movie opening this April, and the upcoming sequel to Wonder Woman opening this June—all directed by women—it looks like 2020 will be the year for Badass Women in film.
Featured Image by Gage Skidmore on Flickr
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