Joker: Folie à Deux, directed by Todd Phillips, is the highly anticipated sequel to Joker (2019). This film helps us dive deeper into the psychological downfall of Arthur Fleck. We pick up where Joker (2019) left off, exploring the aftermath of Arthur’s live breakdown and the impact of his actions on Gotham City. This movie’s tone is severely different from the first. Although Joaquin Phoenix’s performance never lacks, the plot and overall execution of this film suffered.
The newly introduced special interest of Arthur is a fellow inmate, Lee. The blossoming relationship between Arthur and Lee is complex, and not what it seems. Her presence in the film serves as a catalyst for Arthur’s most pivotal decisions. Through Lee, the film explores the ideas of isolation and connection among those who feel cast out by society. The portrayal of Lee is compelling and layered, leading her to an equally shocking and disappointing ending.
I can’t claim to have been able to smoothly follow along with a plot necessarily, but the scenes and illusions of Arthur’s imagination provide at least something to keep you interested. Ignoring the lacking plot, the scoring of this film is absolutely phenomenal. Each song is carefully picked out to perfectly suit the emotion and message of its scene. If you watch superhero films with only the intention of watching action and climax, the disappointment from this film is understandable; but if you can appreciate a good musical, this movie’s soundtrack might just make it worth it. Several classic and nostalgic tunes are beautifully delivered by Phoenix and Gaga through mesmerizing and satisfying visuals and of course sounds.
As you can tell by the length of this review, there isn’t much else to say about this film. It doesn’t even come close to comparing to the original, which is truly a letdown. The depth, emotion, and meaningful message of the first film just didn’t seem to carry over to this one. I wouldn’t recommend seeing Joker: Folie à Deux in theaters, but if you’re curious and don’t care for a plot, this film is more fit as a mindless background movie with good music.
