Joker: Folie à Deux Movie Review: A Bold but Disjointed Sequel Caught Between Musical Fantasy and Gritty Drama

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Joker: Folie à Deux takes a bold swing by blending psychological thriller with jukebox musical elements, directed once again by Todd Phillips. While the original Joker (2019) struck a powerful chord with audiences by delving into the unraveling mind of Arthur Fleck and the disintegration of societal norms, this sequel opts to add musical numbers and a love story that shifts the tone dramatically. While the idea of reimagining the Joker’s universe with a musical twist might sound fresh, it ultimately detracts from the gritty essence that made the first film so impactful, leaving Joker: Folie à Deux feeling disjointed and inconsistent.

The plot centres on Arthur Fleck’s struggle with his fractured identity, now facing a darker journey through Arkham State Hospital. Here, he meets Lee Quinzel (Lady Gaga), a character loosely based on Harley Quinn, adding a new romantic and psychological dimension to his arc. Joaquin Phoenix’s reprisal of the Joker showcases his dedication to the role, but it lacks the raw intensity of his original performance. In the 2019 film, Fleck was a man on the edge, which Phoenix brought to life with chilling intensity. However, his portrayal is overshadowed by a script that prioritises musical and courtroom drama over psychological depth. Lady Gaga delivers a strong performance as Quinzel, giving her character an air of vulnerability mingled with chaos. Yet, even her powerful presence is diluted by the film’s attempt to marry the thrill of a psychological drama with the flair of a musical.

The relationship between Joker and Quinzel is arguably the most compelling aspect of the movie, yet it’s vastly underutilised. The chemistry between Phoenix and Gaga is electric, capturing the complexity of a twisted, co-dependent love that borders on madness. Unfortunately, these moments are few and far between, bogged down by unnecessary musical interludes and a prolonged courtroom subplot. These elements give the film a fragmented feel, often detracting from the dark narrative audiences expect from the Joker’s world.

The musical numbers themselves are vibrant and well-executed, with the choreography and singing offering a temporary escape from the sluggish plot. But while these numbers are visually captivating, they feel misplaced within the Joker’s universe, adding little value to the storyline. The shift from psychological tension to musical fantasy feels jarring and makes the film’s narrative arc feel awkward and drawn out.

Clocking in at over two hours, Joker: Folie à Deux feels unnecessarily long, especially given the lack of a substantial plot. The courtroom scenes and rehashed themes from the original film create a sense of redundancy, making it feel like a spin-off rather than a continuation. For fans of Joker, this sequel may feel like a missed opportunity, as it fails to push Arthur’s character into new psychological territory or offer any real exploration of the world he inhabits. Instead, Joker: Folie à Deux is a film caught between two genres, unable to fully commit to either, leaving viewers with an unbalanced experience that’s both frustrating and oddly shallow.

In summary, Joker: Folie à Deux has highlights, especially in its performance and production quality. Still, the film feels like an unnecessary add-on that lacks the emotional and psychological punch of the original. For audiences looking for the intense character study that made Joker iconic, this sequel may leave a bitter taste, as it strays too far from the raw, gripping tone that initially defined Arthur Fleck’s descent into madness.

Rating: 2.5/5 Stars