The Suicide Squad
James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad is exactly what the franchise needed after the mess of the 2016 film, wild, irreverent, and unapologetically violent while still being surprisingly heartfelt. Gunn leans into the absurdity of the premise, throwing together a ragtag group of obscure DC villains and antiheroes, many of whom are treated as expendable cannon fodder in hilariously over-the-top fashion. The film balances shocking gore and pitch-black humour with genuine character development, particularly for characters like Bloodsport, Ratcatcher 2, and even Peacemaker.
What makes this film work so well is its refusal to play things safe. It’s chaotic, unpredictable, and constantly entertaining, with set-pieces that feel both ridiculous and spectacular. Gunn finds the emotional core amidst the carnage, turning what could have been a shallow, edgy romp into something surprisingly human. The performances, especially from Idris Elba, Margot Robbie, and Daniela Melchior, give the film an emotional backbone that keeps it from becoming pure parody.
While the sheer weirdness and excess won’t be for everyone, The Suicide Squad thrives by embracing its identity as an R-rated, anarchic comic book movie. It’s a brutal, funny, and strangely touching ride that manages to do justice to its characters while proving that not all superhero films need to follow the same formula.