The much-anticipated sequel to Joker (2019), titled Joker: Folie à Deux, is stirring mixed emotions among critics and fans ahead of its wide release. Directed once again by Todd Phillips, the film continues to follow Arthur Fleck’s descent into madness, with Joaquin Phoenix reprising his Oscar-winning role as the titular character, joined by Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn. However, this time around, the film introduces an unexpected twist: it leans heavily into musical elements, something fans of the original film didn’t expect or necessarily want.
After debuting at the Venice Film Festival, Folie à Deux received polarized reviews. While some viewers praised the performances of Phoenix and Gaga, many were left unimpressed with the film’s overall tone and direction. According to early reactions, the film’s musical numbers were considered awkward and, at times, detracted from the story. One user remarked on social media that the musical scenes felt unnecessary and could easily have been removed to make the film flow better. Another critic even went so far as to call the movie a “beautifully filmed middle finger to the fans,” citing that it felt far removed from the intensity and grounded nature of the original Joker.
Critics from Looper and Comicbook.com pointed out that while the sequel’s performances are strong, particularly Lady Gaga’s portrayal of Harley Quinn, the storyline fails to elevate the character or the universe the way the first movie did. The consensus seems to be that this sequel may not live up to the high bar set by the original film, which grossed over $1 billion and received critical acclaim, including 11 Oscar nominations.
The film currently holds a less-than-stellar 53% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with fan reviews pointing out that it falls short in both pacing and impact. Some fans expressed frustration, feeling misled by the film’s sudden shift towards musical territory, which they argue dilutes the intense and unsettling nature that made Joker a standout. Despite these critiques, others have acknowledged the bold choices made in the sequel, highlighting that Folie à Deux dares to be different, even if it doesn’t necessarily resonate with all audiences.
As the October release date approaches, it remains to be seen how general audiences will react to this unconventional take on Gotham’s infamous clown prince of crime.
