The Rise and Fall of the DCEU: Controversies, Critics, and Consensus

The Controversial Journey of the DCEU

The DCEU has had its fair share of ups and downs, with controversies and criticisms shaping its tumultuous path over the years. From Superman's controversial decision to kill Zod to the infamous 'Martha' moment in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, the shared universe has faced intense scrutiny from both fans and critics. Jared Leto's portrayal of the Joker and The Flash's multiverse cameos further added to the divisive nature of the DCEU's creative choices.

Harley Quinn in frilly outfit in Birds of Prey

The deviation from the comics' canon and the hit-or-miss nature of new DC films contributed to the shared universe's struggle for acceptance. The final years of the DCEU witnessed underperforming box office numbers, with only Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom managing to stand out. Despite the controversies and uneven quality, the DCEU maintained a dedicated fan base, leading to conflicting reviews and a dissonance between fans' and critics' opinions.

Dinah Lance and Harley Quinn in Birds of Prey

Birds of Prey: Uniting Critics and Audiences

Among the 16 DCEU movies, Birds of Prey stands out as the only film to achieve a rare consensus between critics and audiences. The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes revealed that Birds of Prey holds a remarkable 78 percent Tomatometer score, mirroring the film's audience score. This unique achievement sets Birds of Prey apart from the rest of the DCEU, solidifying its position as the one film that successfully bridged the gap between critics and fans.

Harley Quinn holding a mallet and standing by the other Birds of Prey in their self-titled movie.

While Birds of Prey stands alone in this aspect, a few other DCEU movies came close to achieving a similar harmony between critics and audiences. Notably, Aquaman, Shazam!, and The Suicide Squad displayed narrow gaps between their critics' and audience scores, indicating a growing trend of consensus within the DCEU. The influence of Margot Robbie's portrayal of Harley Quinn in these films is evident, with her character playing a pivotal role in shaping the audience and critic reception of these movies.

Polka Dot Man, Harley Quinn and Bloodsport running from Jotunheim explosion in The Suicide Squad

The Future of the DCEU: Continuity and Consistency

As the DCEU undergoes a transformation and enters a new phase, the impact of Birds of Prey's unique reception holds significance. With director James Gunn expressing his desire to maintain Margot Robbie as the iconic Harley Quinn in the evolving DC universe, there is potential for continuity in audience and critic consensus. The trend seen in recent DCEU films hints at a growing alignment between creative choices, fan reception, and critical acclaim. This alignment could pave the way for a more cohesive and consistent future for the DCEU, marked by a shared appreciation among fans and critics alike.

Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn in Birds of Prey against a pink and blue powder background.