To be honest, “Joker Folie à Deux” has stirred up a lot of hate, and I’m one of the few who genuinely enjoyed it. Most critics and even fans of the original seem to think it’s a trainwreck, with some reviews claiming it’s laughable or a pointless misfire. For me, however, “Joker Folie à Deux” stands as a rare sequel that dares to break free from its predecessor’s mold. It’s not just a repeat of the original; instead it expands Arthur Fleck’s world in a way that’s both innovative and surreal. Todd Phillips’ choice to turn this psychological thriller into a quasi-musical was an unexpected but genius twist that deserves far more recognition.
A big part of why “Joker Folie à Deux”feels like an odd fit is the musical element, which for many, seemed out of place. But Fleck has always lived on the edge of reality, straddling a line where his mind conjures up ideas far removed from the bland world around him. Bringing musical elements into his story enhances this disconnect, adding a layer of absurdity that fits the unraveling of Fleck’s mind. The way Phillips uses a jukebox soundtrack, combining classic American songs with Fleck’s inner confusion, shows how much Fleck is slipping between reality and fantasy. Lady Gaga’s character Lee Quinzel (Harley Quinn) is a perfect counterpart here; she doesn’t just support his journey but acts as a mirror that reflects his inner chaos back to him in twisted harmony.
Many critics argue that the musical numbers feel stagnant or make the film drag, but I see these scenes as a deliberate contrast to the intense action scenes we’re used to in comic-book-based movies. By giving Fleck and Quinzel these internal, quiet moments that erupt into song, Phillips transforms “Joker: Folie à Deux” into something almost theatrical.
The song-and-dance numbers aren’t supposed to be Broadway-caliber performances but deeply personal expressions of emotion. Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix seem almost vulnerable in these musical scenes, their characters stripped down to reveal their darkest impulses.
What’s so compelling to me is that “Joker: Folie à Deux” offers a break from the typical superhero (or antihero) structure. Gone are the car chases, the elaborate action sequences, and the usual predictable plot twists. Instead, the film centers on Fleck’s and Quinzel’s mental landscapes. It comes off more like a character study set to music than a standard narrative, which is refreshing. Yes, it might feel jarring and even uncomfortable at times, but that’s because it’s uncharted territory. The entire movie plays out like a hallucinatory experience, and while that may frustrate some, it’s what makes the movie so distinct. It’s a daring move that risks alienating audiences, and it’s exactly what makes “Joker: Folie à Deux ” special.
Let’s face it, “Joker: Folie à Deux” might not have the straightforward darkness of the original film, but it’s not trying to be the same thing. It’s intentionally weird, using Gaga’s and Phoenix’s musical talents to twist the bleakness of Gotham into something operatic. For fans of Joker and Harley Quinn, this movie is a strange yet fitting exploration of their relationship. Their duets, their clashes, and their shared madness all become exaggerated but touching. The songs break from gritty realism and allow us a look at the emotional wreckage of these characters. In this way, “Joker: Folie à Deux” feels both tragic and strangely beautiful.
The duet performances between Joker and Lee are touching and have lyrics that echo their shared madness. For instance, when they sing lines like “I’m wild again, beguiled again, a simpering, whimpering child again” from Bewitched, it mirrors Quinzel’s enthrallment with Fleck, and the lyrics showcase how she is drawn to Joker’s world, losing herself in his chaotic allure.
While most see the pacing and musical aspects as flaws, I see them as features that make this sequel memorable. By not caving to the expectations of a straightforward follow-up, Todd Phillips crafts a film that has the guts to be something totally different. Sure, it may not be to everyone’s taste, but for those willing to embrace the weirdness, “Joker: Folie à Deux” is a unique, daring movie that’s worth the watch.
