Joker: Folie à Deux” Review – A Misstep in an Iconic Legacy
The Joker has solidified himself as one of the most iconic characters in comics, television, and film, captivating audiences and attracting top-tier actors to embody his chaotic persona.
In 2019, Joaquin Phoenix gave us perhaps the darkest take on the Clown Prince of Crime in Todd Phillips’ “Joker,” a film that stunned the box office and earned Phoenix an Academy Award for his haunting portrayal. Now, five years later, the much-anticipated sequel, “Joker: Folie à Deux,“ has arrived in theaters – but it fails to live up to its predecessor’s disturbing brilliance.
The sequel struggles to capture the unsettling magic of the original, leaving us with a messy, uninspired continuation that lacks the impact and clarity of the first film. Here’s a breakdown of what worked and what didn’t in this disappointing follow-up.
The Good-ish
The Acting
As expected, Joaquin Phoenix once again delivers a strong performance as Arthur Fleck. He brings the same eerie intensity to the role, but it doesn’t hit as hard this time around. The shock of being introduced to Arthur’s insanity in the first film made it unforgettable, but the sequel doesn’t offer the same freshness. Phoenix’s performance, though still compelling, lacks the surprise factor.
Lady Gaga steps into the role of Harley Quinn (Harleen Quinzel), delivering a solid performance. It’s not groundbreaking, but she holds her own alongside Phoenix. Supporting performances by Brendan Gleeson and Jacob Lofland are also noteworthy, adding depth to an otherwise disjointed film.
The Score
Hildur Guðnadóttir, who created the haunting score for the first Joker film, returns with her chilling, minimalist music that complements the film’s dark atmosphere. The cello solos and slow-building crescendos are as impactful as ever. While “Folie à Deux” ventures into musical territory, it’s Guðnadóttir’s non-musical score that stands out, adding a haunting undercurrent to the chaos.
The Bad
A Disjointed Story
Where the original Joker was a masterful slow burn exploring mental illness and a man’s violent unraveling, “Folie à Deux” struggles to find a cohesive narrative. It feels more concerned with quirky oddities and random musical interludes than with further developing Arthur’s story. Key plot points are introduced only to be abandoned without resolution, and characters that seem important early on are largely forgotten by the film’s end.
The lack of a focused, meaningful plot is the sequel’s biggest weakness. It doesn’t build on the character arcs established in the first movie, leaving us with an unsatisfying narrative that pales in comparison to the meticulous storytelling of Joker.
An Infuriating Ending
Without giving away spoilers, the ending of “Joker: Folie à Deux” is undoubtedly a surprise – but it’s the wrong kind of surprise. While the first film ended on a depressing yet thought-provoking note, this sequel undermines its own story with a twist that feels misguided and unnecessary. Worse, it diminishes the impact of the original film, casting a shadow over the legacy of the first Joker and the character’s transformation.
Rather than leaving the audience with deep reflections on mental health and society, this ending simply frustrates, making it harder to appreciate both films in the same light.
What Parents Should Know
“Joker: Folie à Deux” is rated R, and rightly so. It’s not suitable for younger viewers, as it features graphic violence, disturbing themes, and frequent use of strong language. While there’s a sex scene without nudity, it’s explicit, and there are other scenes with obscured nudity. Even without the violence and language, the film’s dark and depressive tone would still warrant its R rating.
Parents should be aware that, much like the first Joker, this film is emotionally heavy and can leave you feeling down as you exit the theater.
Conclusion
If it wasn’t already obvious, “Joker: Folie à Deux” is a disappointing sequel. While I appreciated the original Joker for its brilliant execution, I didn’t particularly enjoy watching it. It was an impactful, well-made film that I never needed to revisit. However, the sequel fails on multiple levels, not only lacking the finesse of its predecessor but also diminishing the legacy of the franchise.
For those who loved the first Joker, “Folie à Deux” may feel like a letdown. Its poor storytelling and frustrating conclusion leave a sour taste, making it a sequel that, sadly, doesn’t work.
“Joker: Folie à Deux” is rated R for strong violence, pervasive language, sexual content, and brief nudity.