The Suicide Squad franchise has been a polarizing one for DC fans. The 2016 film, directed by David Ayer, introduced audiences to a group of antiheroes and villains who are forced into dangerous missions for the U.S. government. While it had a star-studded cast, including Will Smith, Margot Robbie, and Jared Leto, the film was criticized for its muddled plot, uneven tone, and lackluster character development. Despite its commercial success, the Suicide Squad movie was viewed as a missed opportunity for a compelling exploration of morally ambiguous characters.
Fast forward to 2021, and DC relaunched the Suicide Squad franchise with The Suicide Squad—a sequel/reboot that went in a drastically different direction. Directed by James Gunn, known for his work on the Guardians of the Galaxy films, The Suicide Squad (2021) is a wild, irreverent, and chaotic reimagining of the concept. With Gunn’s signature mix of humor, heart, and violence, the film revitalized the series, delivering a more cohesive, entertaining experience that showcased a wider array of misfit characters. It’s an unfiltered romp that embraces its comic-book origins, giving audiences exactly what they expect from a Suicide Squad movie—more explosions, more absurdity, and a deeper dive into the characters’ flawed natures.
Plot Overview
The Suicide Squad (2021) is set in the fictional South American country of Corto Maltese, which has recently been overtaken by a military dictatorship. The U.S. government, seeking to prevent the potential creation of dangerous superweapons, sends in Task Force X—an off-the-books team of incarcerated supervillains—on a covert mission. The catch? They’re all expendable, with the promise of reduced prison sentences if they survive.
The film opens with a bang, as a new team of Suicide Squad members, led by the ever-sarcastic Amanda Waller (Viola Davis), is dispatched to infiltrate Corto Maltese and destroy the mysterious project known as “Starro the Conqueror.” Starro, a giant, mind-controlling starfish, is the film’s primary antagonist, and it’s one of the most bizarre and creative threats that the Suicide Squad has ever faced.
The squad is made up of a wide range of eccentric characters, many of whom are instantly killed in a brutal, comedic opening sequence—showing the film’s willingness to subvert audience expectations. This initial carnage sets the tone for the rest of the film, which constantly plays with the notion that no character is truly safe, and anyone could die at any moment.
Among the remaining members are the deadly assassin Bloodsport (Idris Elba), the unpredictable Peacemaker (John Cena), the human shark King Shark (Sylvester Stallone), the jaded Ratcatcher 2 (Daniela Melchior), the wild Polka-Dot Man (David Dastmalchian), and the fan-favorite Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), who returns after her successful solo outing in Birds of Prey (2020). As the team makes its way through the chaos of Corto Maltese, they confront both human enemies and the terrifying threat of Starro, leading to a series of action-packed, hilarious, and downright absurd encounters.
James Gunn’s Unique Direction
One of the key elements that distinguishes The Suicide Squad from its predecessor is James Gunn’s unique vision for the film. Gunn, who rose to fame with the irreverent Guardians of the Galaxy films at Marvel, was an inspired choice for directing this reboot. His trademark blend of dark humor, quirky character development, and an ability to mix heart with mayhem is on full display throughout the movie. He brings a much-needed levity to the Suicide Squad concept, embracing the absurdity of the source material while exploring the deeper, often tragic, backstories of its dysfunctional characters.
In contrast to David Ayer’s darker, more serious take on the first film, Gunn embraces the inherent silliness of the Suicide Squad. The characters are eccentric and flawed, and the film leans into that. Rather than simply being a collection of antiheroes, each member of the squad has their own quirks, motivations, and baggage, which Gunn explores with genuine care.
For instance, Ratcatcher 2, played by Daniela Melchior, is one of the standout characters. Despite her initial appearance as a minor character with the ability to control rats, she quickly becomes one of the emotional cores of the film. Her backstory, which centers on her bond with her deceased father, adds a surprisingly touching layer to her character, allowing her to break free from the usual trope of the stoic antihero.
Similarly, the often overlooked Polka-Dot Man, portrayed by David Dastmalchian, is given unexpected depth. He is a character whose traumatic past and feelings of being an outcast are explored with subtlety and empathy. The combination of dark humor and emotional vulnerability makes Polka-Dot Man one of the film’s most compelling figures, despite his absurd powers.
Perhaps the most famous member of the Squad, Harley Quinn, is given more agency in The Suicide Squad than in previous outings. While still as unpredictable and chaotic as ever, Harley’s character arc is more than just comic relief. Her storyline is both humorous and poignant, and it culminates in one of the film’s most visually striking sequences, a hallucinatory escape from her captors that blends action and surrealism in a way that only Harley Quinn can.
The Villains and Starro
While the Suicide Squad is made up of villains, the real antagonist of the film is the giant alien starfish, Starro. Starro, a creature who can control minds through spores released from its giant star-shaped body, is as bizarre as it is menacing. Its origins trace back to the comic books of the 1960s, where Starro was one of the Justice League’s first villains. By bringing this obscure, strange character to life on the big screen, Gunn fully embraces the absurdity of the Suicide Squad franchise and transforms what could have been a laughable plot device into a genuinely dangerous, world-threatening entity.
Starro’s role also serves as a commentary on the nature of power and control. The film juxtaposes the authoritarian rule in Corto Maltese with Starro’s own tyrannical domination of minds, exploring themes of freedom, oppression, and the consequences of unchecked power. It’s an unexpected yet fitting villain for a film about outcast antiheroes fighting for their freedom.
The Ensemble Cast and Performances
One of the major strengths of The Suicide Squad is its ensemble cast, which balances seasoned actors with rising stars. Margot Robbie continues to shine as Harley Quinn, bringing both humor and depth to the character. Idris Elba as Bloodsport is a fitting replacement for Will Smith’s Deadshot, playing a character who is similarly skilled but with a more cynical edge. John Cena’s Peacemaker, with his obsession with peace at any cost, delivers some of the film’s funniest and most thought-provoking moments, as his “do whatever it takes” attitude contrasts sharply with the Squad’s more chaotic and morally gray tendencies.
Sylvester Stallone’s King Shark provides comic relief with his childlike innocence and appetite for flesh, while also adding a layer of vulnerability. The chemistry between the team members—particularly Bloodsport and Peacemaker—is a highlight, with their rivalry and mutual disdain leading to some of the film’s best comedic moments.
Visual Style and Action
Visually, The Suicide Squad is a feast for the eyes. The action sequences are stylish and exhilarating, with over-the-top explosions, inventive camera work, and well-choreographed fight scenes. The film doesn’t shy away from gore and violence, but it does so with a knowing wink, ensuring that even the most gruesome moments feel strangely playful. The vibrant colors, bold lighting, and dynamic cinematography create a visually striking world that fits perfectly with Gunn’s tone and approach to the story.
