Joker: Folie À Deux Movie Review Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)
What’s Good: Lady Gaga’s captivating performance as Harley Quinn and the unique blend of musical elements elevate the emotional depth of the film.
What’s Bad: The slower, introspective pace may alienate fans expecting the chaotic energy and comic-book style action typical of the Joker saga.
Watch: If you’re a fan of character-driven stories with psychological depth and appreciate bold, musical twists, Joker Folie à Deux is a must-see.
Don’t Watch: Skip it if you’re looking for high-paced action or traditional comic-book chaos—this sequel leans more into emotional complexity than spectacle.
Todd Phillips’ “Joker Folie à Deux” marks a bold return to Gotham, presenting a sequel that is more grounded, emotionally nuanced, and far less desperate than its predecessor. With Joaquin Phoenix reprising his role as the chillingly unpredictable Arthur Fleck, the movie is both a psychological dive into the complex Joker character and a musical journey elevated by Lady Gaga’s remarkable performance as Harley Quinn (Harleen Quinzel).
A More Mature Gotham: The Storyline Evolves
In “Folie à Deux,” the Joker is no longer the Batman nemesis or the chaotic force that Gotham fears. Instead, Phillips portrays a version of Arthur Fleck who, after his bloody killing spree two years earlier, finds himself confined to the grim walls of Arkham State Hospital. Gone are the days of Arthur roaming the city with sinister intent. Here, Arthur is a man defeated by his own madness, medicated and numb, yet simmering with potential chaos beneath the surface.
The sequel’s narrative kicks off with Arthur languishing in a penitentiary, enduring the monotonous routine of correctional life. His existence has become a cycle of gray prison walls, dreary outdoors, and the harsh watch of guards like Jackie (played by Brendan Gleeson). The dark, oppressive atmosphere feels worlds away from the electrifying violence of the first film.
It’s not until he meets Lee, later revealed to be Harley Quinn (portrayed with magnetism by Lady Gaga), that his world is shaken. Harley, a fellow inmate involved in choir lessons, embodies the same fire that once consumed Arthur. Their relationship, built on both song and shared emotional scars, serves as the emotional crux of the film. As a musical, the songs performed by Arthur and Harley deepen their bond, making their union more than just a descent into madness but a symbiotic connection.
Lady Gaga Steals the Spotlight
While Joaquin Phoenix continues to masterfully depict Arthur’s psychotic complexities, it’s Lady Gaga who adds a new dimension to the film. Her portrayal of Harley Quinn is not the manic, neon-clad version that DC fans may expect but a more grounded, introspective take on the character. Gaga brings the emotional weight necessary to transform Harley into a character who craves both anarchy and connection.
Her chemistry with Phoenix is palpable, and together they create a delicate yet volatile balance. Harley’s desire to unleash Joker’s wild side makes her an accomplice to his escalating violence, and the audience is left both rooting for and fearing the inevitable storm of chaos they will create together.
Joker Folie à Deux Movie Review: The Evolution of Arthur Fleck
“Folie à Deux” presents a more settled narrative compared to the desperate attempts of the first movie to position Joker as a symbol of rebellion. Arthur’s arc is less about a man trying to break free from societal chains and more about his acceptance of the chaos within. This time, Phillips seems less concerned with aligning Arthur with the troubled, anarchic figure of Gotham and more interested in telling a story of personal turmoil and twisted love.
In the film, Arthur’s relationship with Harley mirrors the madness of his previous life but offers him something that he never had before—companionship. Their dynamic is what differentiates “Folie à Deux” from the first movie. There is something more tragic in the way Arthur interacts with Harley; he no longer fights his madness but embraces it, allowing his identity as Joker to thrive.
This relationship is juxtaposed with Arthur’s public trial, which becomes a media spectacle. In this narrative, Joker has become a figurehead for disenfranchised fans, which presents societal consequences that will shape Gotham’s future. Arthur’s trial echoes real-world issues surrounding the media’s handling of public trials and the phenomenon of creating martyrs out of criminals. The movie critiques the ways in which society’s hunger for sensationalism allows dangerous figures like Joker to gain a cult-like following.
Short-Term and Long-Term Consequences of “Folie à Deux”
From a short-term perspective, “Folie à Deux” succeeds in offering a more mature and reflective version of the Joker saga. The film explores the psychological underpinnings of Arthur’s madness in a way that provides more emotional depth than the first movie. The addition of musical elements, driven by Gaga’s powerful performance, allows the film to transcend the typical comic-book movie genre.
However, the long-term implications of “Folie à Deux” on the larger Joker lore are uncertain. While the film does not actively position Arthur as Batman’s nemesis, it suggests that this version of the character is far from complete. If Phillips continues with this universe, it could lead to a trilogy that further delves into the Joker’s evolution or perhaps even the origins of a new Batman in this gritty Gotham. But by focusing on a more personal story, Phillips risks alienating fans who crave the comic-book-style chaos and destruction that Joker is known for.
Expert Opinions on the Film’s Direction
Critics and filmmakers alike have praised the film for its artistic ambitions, particularly in its portrayal of a Gotham that feels eerily reflective of today’s world. The decision to make the sequel a musical was initially controversial, but many experts believe that it adds an unexpected layer of depth to the Joker and Harley Quinn relationship. Renowned film critic David Ehrlich noted, “Folie à Deux may be the boldest choice DC has made in its modern film slate—Phillips has created something both thrilling and intimate.”
Psychiatrists have also weighed in, with some viewing the film’s portrayal of Arthur’s mental illness as more grounded and responsible than in the first movie. Dr. Sarah Davidson, a psychologist, commented, “By focusing more on Arthur’s personal connections and less on his nihilistic tendencies, the film humanizes Joker in a way that is both unnerving and empathetic.”
Joker 2 Movie Review: Final Words
“Joker Folie à Deux” is a gripping, emotionally charged sequel that blends psychological tension with musical innovation. While Phoenix continues to dominate as Arthur Fleck, it’s Lady Gaga’s Harley Quinn who brings a new energy to the Gotham saga. The film leaves the audience in suspense, not only about the future of Joker and Harley but also about the broader implications for Gotham itself.
Joker Folie à Deux (Joker 2) Trailer
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