Birds of Prey (2020) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) is a 2020 action-packed, colorful explosion of a movie that dives into the chaotic life of one of DC Comics’ most beloved anti-heroines, Harley Quinn. Directed by Cathy Yan and starring Margot Robbie, this film is a wild ride of female empowerment, quirky humor, and high-octane action. In this review, we’ll explore the film’s plot, its thematic elements, the standout performances, and provide a comprehensive guide on where to watch it online.
The Plot: Harley Quinn’s Post-Joker Adventure
The film picks up after the events of Suicide Squad (2016), with Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie) reeling from her breakup with the Joker. No longer under the protection of Gotham’s most feared criminal, Harley finds herself vulnerable and hunted by various enemies she’s made over the years. To make matters worse, crime lord Roman Sionis, also known as Black Mask (Ewan McGregor), is after a young pickpocket named Cassandra Cain (Ella Jay Basco), who has unwittingly stolen a precious diamond from him.
In a bid to protect Cassandra and save herself, Harley teams up with an unlikely group of women: Dinah Lance, also known as Black Canary (Jurnee Smollett), a nightclub singer with a powerful voice; Helena Bertinelli, the crossbow-wielding vigilante known as Huntress (Mary Elizabeth Winstead); and Renee Montoya (Rosie Perez), a tough-as-nails Gotham City detective. Together, they form the Birds of Prey, a team that takes on Black Mask and his goons in a series of explosive, action-packed showdowns.
Themes and Tone: Female Empowerment and Liberation
Birds of Prey is as much a story about Harley Quinn’s personal journey of self-discovery and emancipation as it is about smashing the patriarchy—both literally and figuratively. The film’s narrative is unapologetically chaotic, mirroring Harley’s own fractured, unpredictable psyche. Through her journey, Harley learns to stand on her own, no longer defined by her toxic relationship with the Joker.
The film’s vibrant color palette, kinetic fight choreography, and irreverent humor all contribute to its unique tone, setting it apart from other entries in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). It’s a film that embraces its R-rating, with plenty of dark humor, brutal action scenes, and a refreshingly raw portrayal of its female characters. Each member of the Birds of Prey has her own backstory and motivations, adding depth to the ensemble and reinforcing the film’s themes of female empowerment and solidarity.
Performances: Margot Robbie Shines as Harley Quinn
Margot Robbie’s portrayal of Harley Quinn is, once again, a standout. She brings a perfect blend of madness, vulnerability, and charisma to the role, making Harley both endearing and dangerous. Robbie’s performance anchors the film, and her chemistry with the rest of the cast adds to the movie’s appeal.
Ewan McGregor delivers a deliciously over-the-top performance as Black Mask, bringing both menace and dark humor to the role of the flamboyant villain. Jurnee Smollett’s Black Canary is a fierce and layered character, while Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s Huntress adds a touch of dark comedy with her socially awkward, revenge-driven persona. Rosie Perez’s Renee Montoya is a gritty, world-weary detective who brings a grounded perspective to the ensemble, and Ella Jay Basco’s Cassandra Cain provides the emotional heart of the story.
Where to Watch Birds of Prey (2020) Online
If you’re excited to join Harley and the Birds of Prey on their chaotic adventure, here are the best platforms to stream, rent, or purchase the movie online in the United States:
Streaming Services
- HBO Max: Birds of Prey is available for streaming on HBO Max. Subscribers can watch the movie as part of their subscription, along with other DC films.
- Peacock: Available for streaming with ads on Peacock, or you can subscribe to Peacock Premium for an ad-free experience.
Rental/Purchase Options
If you prefer to rent or buy the movie, here are the top platforms:
- Amazon Prime Video: Rent or purchase Birds of Prey on Amazon, with options for HD and 4K streaming.
- Apple iTunes: Available for rent or purchase on iTunes, with the ability to watch on multiple Apple devices.
- Google Play Movies: The movie is available for rent or purchase on Google Play, making it accessible on various devices.
- Vudu: Vudu offers both rental and purchase options, with the added benefit of high-definition streaming.
- YouTube Movies: Rent or buy the movie directly on YouTube, making it easy to watch on any internet-connected device.
Conclusion: A Wild and Empowering Ride
Birds of Prey (2020) is a vibrant, energetic, and empowering entry in the DCEU that offers a fresh take on the superhero genre. With its strong performances, especially from Margot Robbie, and its unapologetically chaotic style, the film stands out as a unique and enjoyable watch. Whether you’re a fan of Harley Quinn, love action-packed films, or just want to see a movie that celebrates female empowerment, Birds of Prey delivers on all fronts.
With multiple streaming and rental options available, it’s easy to join Harley and the Birds of Prey on their explosive adventure. So, buckle up, grab some popcorn, and get ready for a fantabulous ride through Gotham’s gritty streets.
