The curtain has lifted on Todd Phillips' ambitious sequel, “Joker: Folie à Deux,” and it's safe to say that the initial reviews are not what fans might have hoped for. The film, which has been eagerly anticipated since its predecessor's explosive success in 2019, debuted at the Venice Film Festival to a decidedly lukewarm reception, with critics seemingly divided right down the middle.
While “Joker: Folie à Deux” boasts a star-studded cast, including Joaquin Phoenix returning as Arthur Fleck and Lady Gaga joining as Harley Quinn, the film's reception has been anything but stellar. Major outlets such as IndieWire and Variety have given the film low marks, with IndieWire assigning a C- and IGN a mere 5/10. Even traditionally generous publications like Total Film and The Evening Standard have not been kind, each rating it just 2/5.
The film, a genre-bending mix of prison drama, courtroom drama, and musical, is certainly a visual spectacle, thanks in large part to the cinematography by Lawrence Sher. Yet, many critics are questioning the very purpose of this sequel. Despite its artistic flair, they argue that the narrative lacks substance, leaving audiences wondering why this story needed to be told at all.
The question now is whether this critical drubbing will tarnish the film's Oscar prospects. Unlike the first “Joker,” which won the prestigious Golden Lion at Venice and went on to win two Academy Awards, “Folie à Deux” seems to be on shakier ground. Even some fans of the original are expressing their disappointment, suggesting that the sequel might struggle to match its predecessor's success both critically and commercially.
Despite the criticism, not all is lost. There are still some positive voices, with ScreenRant and The Independent offering more favorable reviews. However, as the film's October 4, 2024 release date approaches, it remains to be seen if “Folie à Deux” can recover from this initial stumble and find its footing with both audiences and Oscar voters alike.
With just a month to go before it hits theaters, the next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether “Joker: Folie à Deux” will be remembered as a misunderstood masterpiece or a misfire that couldn't live up to the hype.
