Rating: 2.5/5
Joker: Folie à Deux, a sequel to the 2019 hit Joker, revisits the chaotic world of Gotham’s most infamous villain. Directed by Todd Phillips, this musical psychological thriller takes a bold new direction, with Lady Gaga joining the cast as Harley Quinn. While her performance is a standout, the film overall falls short, earning a rating of 2.5 out of 5.
Plot:
The story picks up two years after the shocking events of the first film, where Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) brutally murdered a talk show host (Robert De Niro) on live television. The aftermath sends Gotham into turmoil, and Arthur finds himself confined to a psychiatric ward. There, he encounters fellow patient Harleen “Lee” Quinzel (Lady Gaga), a psychiatrist turned obsessive admirer of the Joker.
As the narrative unfolds, we witness the twisted dynamic between Arthur and Harleen, who becomes consumed by her fascination with him. While the movie explores intriguing themes of madness and obsession, it strays from the traditional superhero formula, which may leave some fans divided.
Review:
Joker: Folie à Deux excels in areas like costume design, production value, and its haunting musical score, thanks in large part to Lady Gaga’s involvement. However, where the film falters is in its character development and thematic depth, with the screenplay failing to elevate the story to the same level as its predecessor.
The title, Folie à Deux, translates from French to “madness shared by two,” a fitting description of the toxic relationship between Joker and Harley Quinn. The film delves into Harley’s origins as a psychiatrist at Arkham Asylum, giving us a glimpse into her descent into madness.
Though Gaga’s presence breathes new life into the film, her musical talents feel somewhat misplaced within the dark, psychological tone. The movie’s R-rating, for its strong language and violence, reflects the gritty nature of the story, yet the emotional core doesn’t fully land, leaving the audience with more style than substance.
In the end, Joker: Folie à Deux is a mixed bag—visually impressive and musically captivating but lacking the depth and cohesion needed to live up to its ambitious premise.
