Injustice for All is a short film directed by Danny Mooney from a script by Donavan Darius and Joseph Bryce Hart. Produced by White Hand Films, Injustice for All is a decidedly dark take on the story of the Joker and Harley Quinn. When I say dark, I mean dark. If you think the DC Extended Universe has been dark so far, you’ve got another thing coming. It’s apparent right away that these aren’t the characters you’re used to, and I mean that in the greatest possible way.
The film begins with Lex Luthor (writer Donavan Darius) visiting a restrained and muzzled Harleen Quinzel (Erika Hoveland) at Arkham Asylum, inquiring about Joker (Chris Newman, who appeared in this year’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice) and the severe genetic disorder he suffers from (harlequin ichthyosis). Harleen proceeds to tell Joker’s unique origin story in a way that is as heartbreaking as it is horrific – and it is horrific. There are times that Injustice for All feels like a re-imagined horror film, which is something I was surprised and entirely blown away by. As I said before, these aren’t the characters you’re used to.
The Joker is one of the most famous comic villains ever created. In the film, we’ve seen the character portrayed in a variety of different ways. Some are well received by fans and critics, while others have had more of a mixed result. However, each version of Mr. J certainly brings something fresh to the table, and this Joker is no exception. Sadistically funny and straight-up terrifying, Chris Newman’s performance as the kitty killer is something wholly unique that works better than I could have ever imagined. But for me, it was his lover that stole the show.
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Erika Hoveland is fantastic as Harleen Quinzel. Though this is Joker’s story, Harleen is at the heart of it, and Erika Hoveland commands the screen. Hoveland’s performance is menacing, funny, sweet, and sad – often at the same time. This is the most layered version of Harley Quinn, probably ever, and Hoveland plays the part to perfection. Other notable actors include Jamie Bernadette, who is great in a brief appearance as Catwoman (the scene also features Joker and is a highlight of the film), Claire Richards (who has an intense scene as one of Joker’s victims), and Donavan Darius as Lex Luthor – whose performance I immediately liked better than Dawn of Justice‘s version of the character.
Performances aside, Injustice for All is a great film on the technical front as well. Danny Mooney’s direction is tight and focused, and Glenn Garland continues to do great things as an editor. The music by Steve Sholtes, too, is worth mentioning as it was the first positive note I wrote about the film. The score is instantly captivating, and it holds up throughout the twenty-minute runtime.
You can catch Injustice for All on YouTube.