Getting a superhero character just right isn't easy. When Margot Robbie was cast as Harley Quinn in the DCEU, most people didn't suspect she'd steal both the Suicide Squad and the Birds of Prey for herself thanks to her excellent performance as Harley.
Since she appeared as Harley for the first time, Robbie has become one of the greatest stars of the DCEU. Her Harley is one of the fan-favorites as well, whether she's flying solo or works in a team. It's easy to forget that Robbie only appeared in two DCEU films so far since she had plenty of amazing moments as Harley Quinn.
Harley Faces Batman
In the comics and animated shows alike, Harley and Batman interact much more often than in the DCEU and the former even got together with the Caped Crusader at one point. However, the only time the DCEU brought them together was early in the Suicide Squad when Batman pursued Harley and Joker who was fleeing from him.
Their car crashed into the water and Batman dived in to save Harley. Even though she was almost half-unconscious at the time, Harley still proved her courage by lashing against Batman and then laughing at him when she kissed him later on.
Harley Confronts Her Guard
One thing that's sympathetic about Harley is that she doesn't give up even in the face of adversity. Once she's retained and locked up by Amanda Waller, Harley keeps her calm. She can be seen reading and peacefully drinking from a cup of tea or coffee in her cell or exercising on the swings.
In an even more respectable fashion that's pure Harley, she confronts her guard, threatens him, and isn't in the slightest impressed by the big man with guns. Considering the guard Griggs is one of the least sympathetic characters in the film, it makes it all the easier to cheer for Harley.
Harley Meets Her Fellow Team Members
Once Harley escapes her cell in order to work with the rest of the Suicide Squad, she acts differently from some of them. El Diablo is worried about using his powers, for example, and Deadshot also doesn't seem entirely at ease.
Harley, on the other hand, looks excited about the future and she's happy to once again have access to her clothes and weapons. What's more, she's looking forward to the fact that a lot of people might die during their mission. Harley is a good example of making the best from one's circumstances, no matter how dire they might seem.
Harley Kills Her Enemy In The Elevator
As the film proves, Harley is good at multitasking and switching her attention between various things. When she rides an elevator, she reads a text from the Joker, stops her enemy who attacks her, and manages to fix her hair in the end so that she would feel good.
Harley's personal sense of style as well as her calmness in crisis made her one of the fan-favorites - she manages to fight her enemies and looks great while she's doing it too.
Harley Rejoins The Team
Throughout the first movie, Harley still thinks she and Joker are going to get their happily ever after. But she eventually realizes that's not the case. In one of the more touching moments in Suicide Squad, upset Harley sits in the rain and she takes off her necklace and throws it away, symbolizing she and Joker are done.
She then conjures up a smile when she sees the rest of the Squad coming and rejoins her team. It's the moment when Harley realizes she can go on without the Joker, however difficult it might be for her at first.
Harley Breaks Up With The Joker
Speaking of Harley's romance with the Joker, she announces their break up in a big style early in Birds of Prey. Harley seems able to appreciate a good example of symbolism as much as the next person.
In her typical, over-the-top fashion, she decides to blow up the factory Ace Chemicals where Joker transformed her into Harley Quinn. This way, she lets the whole of Gotham know she and Joker are over. And even though it puts her in danger, Harley still walks away proudly from the explosion.
Harley Attacks The Police Station
One reason why Harley is ultimately a sympathetic character is that she's able to overcome many challenges, such as infiltrating the police station and saving Cassandra without unnecessary bloodshed. Instead of using bullets or grenades, Harley knocks the policemen out with the help of bean bags, confetti, or smoke.
She manages to defeat them despite their large number and fulfills her goal, which is getting to Cassandra and breaking her out. Only Harley could come up with such an outrageous plan and still pull it off.
Harley Bonds With Cassandra And Black Canary
Despite the differences in their characters, Harley is surprisingly accomplished at making friends. She and Cassandra end up hanging out like two best friends, watching TV, after Harley saves Cassandra from the police station.
And as for Black Canary, Harley manages to persuade her to fight against the Black Mask. Overall, Harley has a positive influence on the people she meets which is more than can be said for many DCEU characters.
Harley Cuts Off Her Hair
One of the subtle yet meaningful scenes that showcases Harley's transformation is cutting her hair shorter. Harley shortens her ponytails as a sign she's done with the Joker, ready to move on and be her own person. Women often change their hair after significant life changes and Harley does indeed end up standing on her own two feet once she breaks herself free from her ex-boyfriend.
Harley Interrupts Black Mask's Speech
The villain's speech is something that often appears in superhero and action movies alike. In Harley's case, she has little patience for it, though. She interrupts Roman Sionis' speech and lets him know she's far from impressed.
Harley doesn't cower even when she faces people who want to hurt her and what's even more impressive, she manipulates Sionis into letting her go instead of killing her, proving she can put her knowledge of psychology to good use.