Joker: Folie À Deux has stirred up a storm of mixed reactions among audiences and critics alike. Some are calling it boring, while others hail it as the film of the year. The movie’s musical aspect has been both praised and criticized, with some reviewers loving Joaquin Phoenix’s performance in both musical and non-musical parts, and others finding the musical elements underwhelming and the actors lifeless. How you feel about this movie might depend on two key factors: the musical aspect and the ending, which has become a major talking point.
Before diving into the details, it’s worth noting that I thoroughly enjoyed the first Joker movie. It was fascinating to explore the psychological journey of Arthur Fleck, a kind man trying to make ends meet, take care of his mother, and pursue his dream of making people laugh. His transformation into an evil character due to a series of unfortunate events was both relatable and grounded. However, the second film seems to take a different direction. Without spoiling too much upfront, it’s known that in Joker: Folie À Deux, Arthur goes to trial to determine whether he is sane or insane, possibly meeting Harley Quinn along the way and forming the iconic Joker-Harley duo.
At first glance, this sounds like an exciting premise that taps into a story many people are already interested in. But what went right or wrong with the film? Let’s go over the reviews.
Currently, the movie is sitting at 60% on Rotten Tomatoes, based on critic reviews, not audience scores. Some critics have pointed out that Todd Phillips, the director, may have targeted this movie directly at those who became overly fascinated with the first Joker film, perhaps to provoke them. For instance, Alexander Harrison suggests that if you liked the first Joker film, you might not enjoy this one. Rory Doherty comments that while this version of the Joker isn’t inherently wrong, it’s simply uninteresting and leaves you wanting to move on from the character.
Other critics noted that this Joker feels different from the one we met in the first film, raising the question of why the filmmakers didn’t just continue what worked so well the first time. Luke Hicks mentions that the film plays with audience expectations, but not in the way you’d expect—it’s neither overly crazy nor groundbreaking. Despite the criticisms, Hicks gave it a B-minus, not a terrible score.
There are, however, positive reviews. Brian Viner from Daily Mail UK described the film as audaciously different from the original, though not as electrifying, and still bold and brilliant, awarding it four out of five stars. Raphael Abraham, a top critic, noted that Joker still has some tricks up its sleeve with a serious subtext, delivering some powerful moments late in the film. But for every positive comment, there seems to be a negative one. Richard Lawson, a top critic, called it startlingly dull, and Jordan Farley felt that the film’s unconventional musical sequel fails to hit the high notes.
Interestingly, the musical component is a divisive element, with some critics praising Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga’s performances, while others feel the story doesn’t allow enough depth for their characters. For some viewers, enjoyment may depend heavily on whether or not they appreciate musicals. The ending is another major factor that could sway opinions.
Spoiler Alert: Major Plot Points and Ending Revealed
If you’re avoiding spoilers, now is the time to stop reading. Based on the reviews and spoilers from various outlets, Joker: Folie À Deux is set two years after the events of Joker, with Arthur Fleck awaiting a competency hearing to determine whether he is sane or insane. If found sane, he faces a trial with the death penalty as a potential outcome. Arthur’s lawyer tries to argue that it wasn’t Arthur who committed the crimes but a separate personality known as The Joker. This part of the film plays with the idea of whether Arthur truly believes in his dual personality or if he is just grappling with the societal forces that shaped him into The Joker.
The plot also introduces Lee Quinzel, played by Lady Gaga, who differs significantly from the traditional Harley Quinn. Lee is obsessed with The Joker, having watched a film made about Arthur Fleck’s life and developing an unhealthy attachment to the Joker persona portrayed in that film. The musical scenes, which aren’t real within the movie’s world, are used as a storytelling device to express how the characters see each other and their relationship, a concept I speculated about when the film was first announced as a musical.
The film builds towards Joker’s trial and a major crime spree involving both Arthur and Lee. As Joker sits in court, a bomb explodes, ending the film with the Joker’s death. This ending is controversial, especially for Batman fans who enjoy the Joker and Harley Quinn dynamic. The Hollywood Reporter suggests that the film might alienate Batman enthusiasts because it seemingly erases the possibility of future interactions between Batman and Joker in this universe, diverging significantly from comic book mythology.
The ending also raises questions about whether Arthur truly has a split personality or if it’s a defense mechanism. The film leaves this ambiguous, which some might see as a cop-out, failing to align with the social commentary of the first film about how society creates villains. If Arthur is indeed innocent but still faces a tragic fate, it adds a complex and unsettling layer to the film’s message.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, whether you like Joker: Folie À Deux might depend on your personal preferences, particularly your stance on musicals and your attachment to the Joker’s portrayal. For fans of Lady Gaga, there’s potential that her character could continue in future projects, even if this is the end of Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker. The film’s reception is mixed, and it’s clear that it’s not aiming to please all fans of the Joker or Batman universes.
I’m still conflicted about the film and plan to see it despite the spoilers. While it’s a lot to take in, and the changes might not sit well with everyone, the execution will ultimately determine its success. If you’ve seen it or plan to, let me know your thoughts—are you excited or disappointed by these developments?
