My contention with the title aside, Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) is a near perfect superhero film and the best among the last decade’s worth of DC films–although a case for Wonder Woman can be made.
While I certainly hope that the future of the Birds of Prey series finds itself on a non-Harley path (let’s have a crossover down the road!), I’m also interested in seeing where Harley goes. After all, the movie gave us a few hints as to what may lie in the future for Gotham… but that’s another topic.
The Fan Film
But first, here’s Pamela & Ivy, a short fan film outlining the character’s origin.
Starring Eric Roberts, Aria Lyric Leabu, writer/director Leah Mckendrick, and producer Mariah Owen, Pamela & Ivy puts forward a strong case for the character’s inclusion in the future of DC films. And while Catwoman may be tied up with the upcoming The Batman, Ivy would be put to better use with Harley.
DC’s Film Future
Of course, I’d be more interested in the Gotham City Sirens–and I don’t mean the persistent sound that graces Gotham’s nights. As you’d have figured the Sirens refer to Harley Quinn, Catwoman, and Poison Ivy. Even having had their own title at some point, the trio have become a fan favourite. And in this era, where female characters need not be unnecessarily sexualised to sell a book, the Gotham City Sirens are the exact heroes we need!
But while Harley’s been in recent movies and has her own animated series, and Catwoman has just had a strong pop culture presence since forever, Poison Ivy’s been somewhat MIA. It probably didn’t help that her most recent on screen portrayal in Gotham wasn’t very well received either.
But if Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) is an indication, the adventures of Harley are from from over, and maybe Poison Ivy’d be just the ally she and Cassandra could use.