“Joker: Folie à Deux,” a sequel that premiered Friday, October 4th, Takes a bold turn blending musical elements with psychological thrills. While it promised a fresh perspective on the iconic character, critics seem divided. Rotten Tomatoes scores it at a low 33%, with IGN giving it 5/10 and IMDb following close with a 5.4/10. Is this sequel a bold masterpiece or a missed note? Let’s dive in.
The movie started with Joker, played by Joaquin Phoenix, being escorted out of his jail cell by Arkham police. It’s so scary to see Joker back again, because this time he isn’t laughing. It’s odd. He doesn’t have any jokes. He doesn’t say anything;it’s almost like he’s an empty shell.
Everything changes when he encounters Harley Quinn, played by Lady Gaga, a fellow patient in this mental facility, where the doctors believe that singing can heal something within, and it’s through one of these bright colorful moments that Joker is drawn to her.
During a playful moment, Harley pretends to shoot herself with a finger gun, catching Joker’s attention. For the first time,a spark of life returns to his hollow demeanor. Their duet marks the beginning of a strange, twisted connection.
One of the most striking aspects of “Joker: Folie à Deux” is its unexpected shift into a musical – a bold choice that sets the film’s tone. Joaquin Phoenix surprises the audience with a hauntingly beautiful voice, adding an unexpected layer to his portrayal of the iconic character.
Throughout the film, singing becomes an unexpected source of joy for Joker, and the musical format is a perfect way to showcase his inner fantasies while still hinting at his impending breakdown. It makes even more sense after meeting Harley, who uses singing in the mental hospital as a way to cope with her own struggles. Their connection through music highlights both the beauty and the chaos of their shared descent, because in the end fantasy was all they had.
Throughout the film, Joker bends between his chaotic persona and Arthur Fleck. This internal struggle adds a layer of tension, as he constantly shifts between the unhinged Joker and the fragile man he once was. It’s a delicate balance that underscores his psychological unraveling, especially as his bond with Harley strengthens.
Everyone wants to see Arthur Fleck as the Joker both his supporters in the film and even the audience watching the movie. People crave the chaos and madness he represents, eagerly awaiting the moment he fully lets go. It’s ironic, really, especially when the sequel is Joker battling his own self along with society pressures to be this Joker. Harley is a good representation of everyone who was rooting for Joker, but not Arthur Fleck.
“Joker: Folie à Deux,” Shows the consequences of society ignoring people’s struggles, showing how neglect can lead to tragic transformations. Not only do they show how a society plays a big part in these transformations, but that a person must choose for themselves how to navigate these influences and pave their own path.
