I am Just Shocked to See Joker: Folie à Deux Movie - Let's Break the Reviews

Wow. I don’t think I’ve ever been more shocked by a movie than Joker: Folie à Deux. If you’ve watched Joker (2019), you know exactly how disturbing and brilliant Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of Arthur Fleck, the Joker, was. But this sequel? It’s on another level. Before you watch it, let me take you through what people are saying about it—the good, the bad, and the utterly shocking.

Setting the Stage: A Musical Twist?

First off, Joker: Folie à Deux is not just your typical sequel. One of the most surprising elements is the musical component. Yes, you read that right—musical. Todd Phillips, the director, has taken a bold leap by incorporating musical numbers into the film, something that no one expected from a follow-up to one of the most intense psychological thrillers in recent memory. And here's the kicker: Lady Gaga joins the cast as Harley Quinn.

So, how do fans and critics feel about this twist? Well, the reactions are mixed.

The Good: A Bold, Artistic Vision

The Joker has always been a character that dances on the line between reality and madness, and Folie à Deux takes that quite literally. Many reviewers have praised the decision to lean into the theatricality of Joker’s internal world. After all, Arthur Fleck has always been a character that lives in his head. The musical numbers serve as a way to explore his chaotic, fractured mind in a way that traditional dialogue couldn’t.

Fans of the 2019 Joker loved how Todd Phillips made Arthur’s descent into madness feel raw and authentic. And in Folie à Deux, it’s clear that Phillips is trying to push that envelope even further. For example, Joaquin Phoenix’s performance is once again mesmerizing. He completely embodies the character, moving between vulnerability, madness, and a terrifying sense of calm, often in the same scene. Critics are already talking about another potential Oscar nod for Phoenix, and that says a lot.

The addition of Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn is also receiving rave reviews. She brings a unique intensity to the character, and her chemistry with Phoenix is electric. Some are even saying she might be the best Harley Quinn we’ve ever seen on screen.

The Bad: Not Everyone's Cup of Tea

Despite the praise, not everyone is thrilled with the movie. The musical element, while praised for its boldness, is seen as off-putting by some fans of the original. A portion of the audience feels that the musical numbers detract from the gritty realism that made the first Joker so powerful. They were expecting more of the same dark, grounded storytelling, and the theatricality of Folie à Deux didn’t sit well with them.

Another critique centers around pacing. Some reviewers feel that the film drags in the middle, with musical interludes stretching out scenes that could have been tighter and more impactful. If you're not on board with the whole "musical psychological thriller" concept, these sections might feel disjointed or excessive.

The Ugly: Polarizing and Divisive

Perhaps the most shocking thing about Joker: Folie à Deux is how deeply divided the reviews are. This isn’t just a love-it-or-hate-it situation—people seem to either be enthralled by the film’s ambition or completely turned off by it.

Fans who loved the first Joker might find themselves in one of two camps: those who admire Todd Phillips for pushing boundaries and taking risks, and those who think he’s veered too far from the essence of what made Joker so successful.

What’s undeniable, however, is that this movie has sparked conversation. Whether people loved or hated it, they’re talking about it. And in today’s crowded media landscape, that’s no small feat.

Breaking Down the Themes

One thing Folie à Deux does exceptionally well is continue to explore the themes of mental illness, societal rejection, and the thin line between sanity and madness. In this movie, those themes are expanded, especially with Harley Quinn’s character entering the scene. She, too, is a character marked by trauma, and her dynamic with Arthur (the Joker) is both fascinating and unsettling.

Phillips doesn’t shy away from showing the destructive consequences of mental illness untreated or misunderstood by society. The movie’s darker scenes serve as a stark reminder that even fictional characters like the Joker are deeply rooted in real-world struggles that many face. This thematic continuity is something many critics have praised, as it adds depth to what could otherwise have been just another comic-book movie.

A Film for Our Times?

In a world still grappling with mental health crises, societal alienation, and the effects of fame and media manipulation, Joker: Folie à Deux feels timely. While it may not hit home for everyone, it's clear that Phillips is using this film to say something bigger about the world we live in.

Final Thoughts: Should You Watch It?

If you’re expecting a sequel that mirrors the gritty realism of the first Joker, you might be shocked—just like I was. But if you go in with an open mind, ready to embrace a film that’s audacious, polarizing, and unlike anything else you’ve seen in the superhero (or antihero) genre, then Folie à Deux might just be the movie you didn’t know you needed.

It’s not perfect, and it’s certainly not for everyone, but one thing is for sure: Joker: Folie à Deux will get people talking. Whether you’re in the camp that loves it or the camp that hates it, you’ll find yourself thinking about it long after the credits roll.

And that, in my book, is what great cinema is all about.