Joker: Folie à Deux—A Bold Sequel That Divides Critics
The highly anticipated Joker: Folie à Deux, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, has hit theaters to a decidedly mixed reception. Following the critical and commercial success of the 2019 Joker, which grossed over $1 billion globally and won Phoenix an Oscar for Best Actor, expectations were sky-high for director Todd Phillips' sequel. However, the film's genre-bending approach and bleak narrative have led to polarized opinions among critics and audiences alike.
Released in theaters on Friday, October 4, 2024, Joker: Folie à Deux opened following previews on Thursday, and immediately began generating strong reactions. Set two years after the events of the first film, the sequel finds Arthur Fleck—better known as the Joker—locked away in Gotham's infamous Arkham Asylum, awaiting trial for his heinous crimes. It's there that Arthur meets Lee Quinzel (Lady Gaga), a music teacher who soon becomes his love interest, Harley Quinn. Together, they plot a daring escape before Arthur's trial can take place.
A Musical Twist in Gotham's Dark Underworld
One of the most notable aspects of Joker: Folie à Deux is its bold incorporation of jukebox musical elements—a departure from the gritty, grounded tone of the first film. As Arthur and Harley's relationship unfolds, the movie weaves surreal musical sequences into the bleak and violent backdrop of Gotham. Some critics found this blend innovative, while others felt the musical twist was jarring, detracting from the film's core narrative.
Brian Truitt of USA Today praised the film's unconventional take, noting, “It's enjoyable here to watch Arthur and Lee's bad romance come to fruition,” highlighting the dynamic chemistry between Phoenix and Gaga. Jason Gorber from Paste Magazine echoed this sentiment, describing the film as a “boldly unconventional blockbuster” that, while uneven, ultimately delivers entertainment through its eccentricities.
Critics' Reactions—A Tale of Two Extremes
Despite some positive feedback, the majority of critics were less enthusiastic. The film currently holds a 37% “rotten” rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 185 reviews, a significant drop from the 60% it received at its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival. By comparison, the original Joker maintains a solid 68% approval rating from critics and an impressive 89% audience score.
G. Allen Johnson of the San Francisco Chronicle described Folie à Deux as “a traumatizing cinematic experience, so insistent on being grim and static.” He criticized the film's bleakness, suggesting that Phillips' attempt to push boundaries resulted in a dismal viewing experience.
Nick Schrager from The Daily Beast was similarly unimpressed, labeling the film as “borderline antagonistic” in its refusal to adhere to the conventions of comic book movies, while Newsday's Rafer Guzman gave the film a rare zero out of four stars, calling it “a listless, depressing musical that seems to hate its characters, and itself.”
On the audience side, reactions mirrored those of the critics. The RT Audience Score is currently at 37%, based on over 500 verified user ratings, a steep decline from the 2019 Joker's 89% audience score.
What Works and What Doesn't?
At the heart of Folie à Deux is the undeniable talent of its leads. Joaquin Phoenix continues to embody the broken, chaotic nature of Arthur Fleck with chilling precision, while Lady Gaga's Harley Quinn injects a new, vibrant energy into the film. Critics universally praised her performance, with many pointing to her as the standout in an otherwise divisive movie.
However, while the film's performances are commendable, many critics believe the sequel falters in its storytelling. The film's pacing, tone, and sudden shift toward musical elements have left audiences struggling to find a cohesive thread. New York Post critic Johnny Oleksinski summed it up best, stating, “For nearly two and a half hours, director Todd Phillips' pathologically unnecessary movie cycles through so many potential reasons to exist … it ultimately never finds a satisfying one.”
Final Thoughts—A Sequel for the Bold
Joker: Folie à Deux is undeniably a daring sequel that seeks to challenge audience expectations, much like its predecessor. But where the original Joker succeeded in grounding its narrative in character study and social commentary, the sequel takes a risk with its stylistic and tonal shifts. Whether you find it refreshing or frustrating, there's no denying the ambition behind Todd Phillips' latest vision of Gotham.
With divisive critical reception and a mixed audience response, Folie à Deux is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about films of the year, for better or worse. Whether it reaches the heights of its predecessor or falters in its ambition, this is one Joker story that isn't afraid to take risks—even if not all of them pay off.
