It’s been five years since Todd Phillips’ Joker gave audiences a dark, ultra-realistic look at the iconic comic book villain, set in a grim 1980s Gotham. The film’s nihilistic tone touched on relevant themes like political division, wealth disparity, and social isolation, issues that only became more pertinent after the pandemic. There was heated debate over whether Joker glorified violence or served as a cautionary tale about society’s neglect of marginalized individuals. Now, Joker: Folie à Deux picks up the story, but sadly, it delivers an even murkier message—and proves to be a weaker film.
A Familiar Plot
In Folie à Deux, we find Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) five years after the climactic moment from the first film where he murders talk show host Murray Franklin live on TV. Arthur, now a prisoner in Arkham Asylum, has become a cultural icon, known as the Joker. During his time in Arkham, he bonds with a guard (played by Brendan Gleeson) who introduces him to a music therapy class. It’s here that Arthur meets Harleen “Lee” Quinzel (Lady Gaga), who will eventually become his partner-in-crime.
While their on-screen chemistry is intriguing, the film struggles to find a clear narrative focus. There has been much conversation around whether Folie à Deux qualifies as a musical. Lady Gaga herself said, “I think the way we approach music in this film is very special and extremely nuanced. I wouldn’t necessarily say that this is a musical.” Director Todd Phillips echoed a similar sentiment, stating that “most of the music in the movie is really just dialogue. It’s just Arthur not having the words to say what he wants to say, so he sings them instead.”
But here’s where the confusion comes in: characters singing their emotions is, by definition, what makes a musical.
Musical Moments Fall Flat
Despite the buzz around the musical elements, the performances don’t stand out. Most of the musical sequences consist of Joker and Harley quietly singing their emotions or sharing songs they love, but these moments don’t reach the sweeping, show-stopping heights we expect from musicals. The emotional impact of the characters’ struggles is lost in the underwhelming presentation.
One notable exception is a handful of more emotionally charged musical numbers, where the characters’ chaotic inner worlds take center stage. These moments are rare, but they offer a glimpse of what the film could have been if it had fully embraced its musical identity.
A Chaotic Reception
The box office numbers tell a mixed story. Joker: Folie à Deux opened to $7 million in previews, a far cry from the $13.3 million the original Joker made during its debut. With a $50 million opening expected, it’s still performing decently, but it pales in comparison to the massive success of the first film. However, fan reactions have been less than favorable, with PostTrak audience scores dropping to a low 40% positive rating—a stark contrast to the hype surrounding the movie’s lead actors.
Critics have noted that the film’s conclusion, which first shocked audiences at the Venice Film Festival, is especially divisive. The ending rejects both the violent anarchy of Arthur Fleck’s persona and the expectations of viewers who saw him as a kind of anti-hero. The film seems to turn on its own audience, leaving many feeling betrayed by its bleak, unsatisfying resolution.
The Trump Paradox
One intriguing interpretation of Folie à Deux draws a parallel between Joker’s followers and the unshakable loyalty of Donald Trump’s political base. In a similar vein, Arthur Fleck’s supporters remain steadfast, even as he becomes more detached from reality. This connection, while somewhat subtle, adds a layer of political commentary that was missing from the original film. It seems Phillips wanted to explore the question: What does it take for people to turn on a figure they once idolized?
Ultimately, Joker: Folie à Deux is a film that tries to do too much without delivering on any one front. While it has some compelling performances and a few standout moments, the musical sequences and chaotic narrative fail to capture the brilliance of the original Joker. Fans of the first film might find the sequel lacking in both substance and style.
