“Joker: Folie à Deux” is a bold cinematic sequel that follows up Todd Phillips’ 2019 hit, Joker. Released in 2024, this new installment raises the stakes by venturing into even darker, more surreal territory. With Joaquin Phoenix reprising his Oscar-winning role as Arthur Fleck, the mentally unstable figure who inadvertently sparked a movement, and the addition of Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn, Folie à Deux offers a daring mix of psychological thriller and musical madness. But does this combination succeed? Here’s what you can expect from the film and whether it lives up to its ambitious predecessor.
A Distinctive Musical Approach
“Joker: Folie à Deux” is not your typical sequel. Rather than relying on traditional superhero tropes or action-packed sequences, the film shifts towards a musical format. The integration of musical numbers throughout the film represents the inner turmoil and shared insanity between Arthur Fleck and Harley Quinn. This tonal shift was foreshadowed by Todd Phillips when he stated that Phoenix’s portrayal in the original Joker left many avenues open for deeper psychological exploration. The idea of a musical sequel may seem unusual, but it works here, thanks to the committed performances of Phoenix and Gaga.
Lady Gaga’s portrayal of Harley Quinn brings an intriguing dynamic to the film. Her character, Harleen Quinzel, is a fellow inmate at Arkham Asylum, where Arthur now resides. Initially drawn to Arthur out of curiosity, their relationship quickly evolves into a deadly obsession. As the two fall deeper into madness, they engage in elaborate musical numbers that illustrate their descent. Gaga, known for her vocal prowess, delivers an intentionally raw and imperfect performance that mirrors the instability of her character. This unique blend of music, madness, and drama becomes one of the standout features of Folie à Deux, setting it apart from other comic book films.
Themes of Madness and Society
While the musical format adds flair to the movie, Folie à Deux still stays true to the themes explored in the first film. It delves into the psyche of Arthur Fleck and his role as an unwilling symbol for Gotham’s disenfranchised. However, this time, the narrative expands to question societal entertainment values, courtroom dramas, and how the media sensationalizes mental illness and criminal behavior. The film doesn’t shy away from showing the public’s obsession with figures like Arthur Fleck, a critique that hits close to home in today’s world of televised trials and scandal-driven news.
Phillips and co-writer Scott Silver intentionally avoided turning Arthur into the “Clown Prince of Crime” or a criminal mastermind. Instead, Folie à Deux focuses on Arthur’s internal world, his detachment from reality, and his ongoing search for love and acceptance. In many ways, Harley Quinn becomes a mirror for Arthur, sharing in his delusions but driven by her own twisted ideas of romance. The film asks the audience to ponder whether their bond is one of love or mutual destruction—an unhealthy relationship built on shared psychosis.
Stellar Performances and Cinematic Execution
Joaquin Phoenix’s performance once again anchors the film. His portrayal of Arthur Fleck remains haunting, and his transformation into a musical performer—singing live on set rather than lip-syncing—adds a layer of authenticity. Phoenix’s willingness to expose Arthur’s vulnerabilities, coupled with his erratic bursts of energy, creates a character that’s as pitiable as he is terrifying.
Lady Gaga, on the other hand, breathes new life into Harley Quinn. Rather than emulating previous portrayals of the character, Gaga presents a version of Harley that is grounded in the gritty realism established by Joker. She is manipulative, amoral, and far removed from the cartoonish version many are familiar with. This interpretation fits perfectly into the world Phillips has created, and Gaga’s off-key singing only enhances her character’s unhinged nature. Despite her musical background, Gaga’s performance isn’t about vocal perfection—it’s about emotional honesty, which is why it works so well within this narrative.
The supporting cast also delivers noteworthy performances. Brendan Gleeson, as Arkham guard Jackie Sullivan, plays a significant role in Arthur’s life within the asylum, while Catherine Keener brings a nuanced portrayal of Arthur’s lawyer, Maryanne Stewart. Zazie Beetz also returns as Sophie Dumond, though her role is largely symbolic, representing a life Arthur could never attain.
The Visual and Musical Experience
Visually, Folie à Deux impresses with its bold use of color, costume design, and production aesthetics. Drawing inspiration from musicals like Band Wagon, the film contrasts its bleak narrative with vibrant musical numbers, creating a jarring yet mesmerizing effect. The cinematography, led by Lawrence Sher, captures the essence of Gotham—a city on the brink of chaos, while the interior world of Arkham Asylum feels claustrophobic and unsettling.
The score, composed by Hildur Guðnadóttir, adds further emotional depth to the film, complementing both the musical sequences and quieter, more intense moments. The juxtaposition of songs like “Get Happy” and “For Once in My Life” with scenes of despair and violence creates an eerie atmosphere that lingers long after the film ends.
Much like the original Joker, Folie à Deux has polarized critics. While the performances of Phoenix and Gaga, the production design, and the musical sequences have been praised, some critics have taken issue with the screenplay and character development. The themes of the film—mental illness, society’s obsession with violence, and media sensationalism—are heavy, and not everyone will appreciate the way they are handled.
Some viewers may find the lack of traditional action sequences a drawback, as Folie à Deux focuses more on character exploration than physical conflict. Others may feel that the musical numbers disrupt the pacing or detract from the gravity of the subject matter. However, those who embrace the film’s experimental nature will likely appreciate its bold storytelling and willingness to take risks.
Joker: Folie à Deux is a daring sequel that refuses to follow in the footsteps of typical comic book adaptations. It offers an unsettling blend of psychological thriller, musical, and love story, all wrapped in a package that is both visually stunning and emotionally complex. While it may not appeal to everyone, its ambition and willingness to push boundaries make it a film worth watching—especially for those interested in character-driven narratives. Whether you’re a fan of the original Joker or simply curious about this musical twist, Folie à Deux will leave you thinking long after the credits roll.
Coming to a theatre near you October 4, 2024
Runtime: 138 Minutes
Director: Todd Phillips
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, Zazie Beetz
