Batman and Harley Quinn (2017)

Batman and Harley Quinn (2017) is an animated superhero film by Warner Bros. Animation, released through Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. As the 30th installment of the DC Universe Animated Original Movies, it is helmed by director Sam Liu and writers Jim Krieg and Bruce Timm. While its animation mirrors that of The New Batman Adventures, this story takes place outside of the DC Animated Universe. When Batman (alias Bruce Wayne) and Nightwing (Dick Grayson) uncover a plot involving Poison Ivy (Pamela Isley), they learn that she has joined forces with Floronic Man (Jason Woodrue) to steal information on “Bio-Restorative Project” and Swamp Thing (Alec Holland) from S.T.A.R. Labs. To gather intel on their whereabouts, the duo reluctantly seeks out Harley Quinn (Harleen Quinzel), Ivy’s best friend and Joker’s sidekick/girlfriend who has recently been released from prison but has since gone off the radar. Meanwhile, Batman questions Sarge Steel at A.R.G.U.S. HQ about the kidnapping of Dr. Harold Goldblum, a chemist with expertise in botany and biological warfare.

At the Superbabes establishment, Nightwing encounters Harley, a former psychiatrist turned waitress. Despite her previous criminal associations, she now dons superhero and supervillain garb for minimum wage. However, when Nightwing inquires about Ivy’s whereabouts, Harley expresses her desire to leave behind that world and lead a normal life. He then questions why she is working in revealing attire instead of using her professional expertise. His mention of her neglecting to report to her parole officer triggers their confrontation, which ends with Harley rendering him unconscious. Meanwhile, Sarge reveals Goldblum’s abductor to Batman, who uncovers evidence linking Floronic Man to the kidnapping. When Nightwing regains consciousness, he finds himself restrained on a bed by Harley. She explains that her past as a felon prevents her from obtaining employment as a psychiatrist and shows him rejection letters as proof of her struggles.