‘The Suicide Squad’ review: A gory, gut-punching (and eating), magnificent rollercoaster of madness

The opening sequence of James Gunn’s new film, The Suicide Squad, immediately seizes the audience’s attention. The Guardians of the Galaxy director skips the usually slow and steadyintroduction. Instead, he throws us right in the middle of action, where limbs are flying, heads are exploding, and Harley Quinn is the Harley Quinn. The Suicide Squad is possibly one of the year’s best films. It isn’t afraid of violence – it chooses it. The film contains double the amount of gore and action. It’s a magnificent rollercoaster of craziness, complete with very repeatable one-liners, an excellent, chaotic, outright uproarious script, and skillful direction from Gunn.

Each member of so-called Suicide Squad possesses a distinct set of lethal abilities. Their rage and murderous instincts are what drives them – and this is precisely why they are the best for the job. Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), Bloodsport (Idris Elba), Peacemaker (John Cena), Ratcatcher (Daniela Melchior), Polka-Dot Man (David Dastmalchian), and ever-hungry Shark King (voiced by Sylvester Stallone) join Colonel Rick Flag (Joel Kinnaman) at the remote, enemy-infested island of Corto Maltese. As ordered by Task Force X’s leader, Amanda Waller (Viola Davis), the chosen group of criminals has to destroy one of the buildings and everything in it that references a mysterious Project Starfish.

The Suicide Squad has everything we could possibly want – and more! It’s incredibly gory and holds a very high body count. Consider yourself forewarned: limbs will be severed, and guts will be frequently on display, especially when Shark King is involved. On rare occasions when no one is being brutally murdered, Gunn provides the audience with brilliant, truly bonkers dialogue that will undoubtedly make viewers laugh. The Bloodsport and Peacemaker duo are the leaders in this regard. It’s clear from the start that Elba and Cena had a lot of fun together, especially in one of the scenes when they have a full-fledged conversation about the island covered in male genitalia while on what’s most likely a suicide mission.

The director ensures that each character has their own unique style, sense of humor and is an essential part of the out-of-this-world narrative. In effect, each of them, whether it’s the shy, mother-fearing Polka-Dot Man or Ratcatcher, who has the ability to control rats, brings greatness and freshness to the table, never allowing the audience to become bored or indifferent towards the plot. Daniela Melchior deserves a special shout-out. The actress keeps a steady pace with her more experienced colleagues on set and delivers a remarkable performance as a constantly sleepy Ratcatcher.

The Suicide Squad would certainly hurt without one Harley Quinn, who now proudly carries a “Property of No One” tattoo on her back. There is no doubt that Margot Robbie was born to play that role, and she excels at it every single time. The ever-returning prisoner of the Gotham and Belle Reve prison kicks butt over and over again, transforming her look in the film to one characterized by black and red tones. There are several great action scenes with her part that are witty, bloody, and downright adorable at the same time. Robbie’s Harley steals the attention, whether she speaks with her legendary Brooklyn-esque accent or utilizes her impressive, often deadly gymnastic skills. In particular, one of the fight sequences is thoroughly brilliant, packed with floral (literally) colors, blood, and rage – a truly explosive combination.

Gunn’s action flick is filled with detailed, effective action and death scenes from start to finish. As people are beheaded and crushed, everything is laced with raunchy humor, as are the characters’ banters. The Suicide Squad is simply enjoyable, and it’s a film that you’ll want to watch again. 

There isn’t a dull moment as we follow the villains on their mission. The film’s elements are frequently outrageous and appear to be out of place. For instance, what role does a weasel play on the plane as a member of Task Force X? Surprisingly, even when something doesn’t seem to fit, it actually works perfectly well in conjunction with other satisfyingly bizarre factors, whether it’s the “toilet helmet” of Peacemaker or Shark King in swimming trunks (or are they boxers?).

The Suicide Squad is a masterclass in its own genre, coming from the creative, albeit dangerous mind of James Gunn. It entertains from start to finish, it isn’t afraid to be ultraviolent while being superbly funny. The titular group of villains will capture your heart and attention, there is no doubt about it. You don’t want to miss out on this.

Grade: A

Warner Bros will release The Suicide Squad in theaters and on HBO Max Friday, August 6.

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Zofia Wijaszka

Zofia resides in Los Angeles and is a film and television critic. She has previously written for The Mary Sue, First Showing, Film Threat, In Their Own League, Film Inquiry, and more. She loves the Scream movies, Carol, American Horror Story, and Schitt’s Creek.

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