Joker: Folie à Deux (2024) – A Personal Review

Having just watched Joker: Folie à Deux, the sequel to the critically divisive Joker (2019), I find myself processing a complex mixture of emotions and thoughts. 

Directed by Todd Phillips and starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, this film pushes boundaries yet again, but this time through a mix of musical elements and psychological drama. 

While the first film took audiences on a dark journey into Arthur Fleck’s descent into madness, this one delves into even more surreal and symbolic territory, often using music to explore the psyche of its characters.

From the moment the film begins, it’s clear that this isn't a conventional follow-up to Joker. 

The film oscillates between reality and delusion, much like its predecessor, but with a more theatrical and metaphorical approach, especially through the inclusion of jukebox musical sequences. These choices will no doubt be polarizing for many viewers, but for me, they added a layer of artistic ambition to the story, making it both hypnotic and unnerving.

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The Complex Chemistry of Arthur and Lee Quinzel

The heart of Folie à Deux lies in the twisted relationship between Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) and Lee Quinzel (Lady Gaga). 

Watching these two characters connect and unravel simultaneously was both exhilarating and deeply uncomfortable. Lee, introduced as a fellow patient at Arkham, is not the Harley Quinn many might expect. Instead, she is a more grounded, manipulative character who blurs the line between obsession and genuine connection. 

Gaga’s portrayal is fierce and raw, but also underpinned by a vulnerability that occasionally breaks through her hardened exterior.

The film gradually reveals that Lee is no innocent victim, as her manipulative tendencies are laid bare. In one of the movie's pivotal moments, Lee confesses to fabricating much of her backstory—an effort to draw closer to Arthur. 

This revelation is delivered with emotional intensity, yet instead of diminishing her character, it serves to deepen the twisted bond between the two. Gaga’s performance here is magnetic; she captures the fragile line between reality and delusion that both characters seem to tread.

Joaquin Phoenix, of course, shines in his portrayal of Arthur Fleck, though this time, his journey feels less about transformation and more about reflection. 

Arthur is more self-aware than before, and Phoenix plays him with a tragic resignation that underlines the film’s dark themes of identity and responsibility. Arthur’s final renouncement of his Joker persona in the courtroom scene was gut-wrenching, and yet it felt almost like the natural conclusion to the internal struggle that had been brewing since the first film. 

His rejection of the Joker symbol, which once gave him purpose, was a surprising yet powerful moment.

The Musical Numbers – A Risky Gamble

The musical numbers were a bold, almost disorienting choice, shifting the tone in and out of fantastical sequences. 

As someone who generally appreciates unconventional storytelling, I found this to be an intriguing element that added to the film’s surreal and fractured narrative. However, I can understand why critics and some audience members have found these scenes jarring or out of place, given the gritty realism of the first Joker. 

The blend of high-intensity psychological drama and sudden bursts into song created an interesting juxtaposition that elevated the madness of the characters. It was as though Arthur's mental state was spilling over into the film’s form, which was both disorienting and enthralling.

One of the most memorable sequences is the animated introduction where Joker's shadow takes over his persona, performing a singing number while Arthur watches helplessly. This scene not only sets the tone for the musical elements to come but also feels symbolic of Arthur’s struggle to control his own identity. 

Throughout the film, these musical breaks feel less like traditional musical numbers and more like psychotic episodes manifested through song. Lady Gaga, being a seasoned performer, adds incredible depth to these scenes, particularly in the moments where her voice cracks under the weight of her character’s unhinged emotional state.

Despite my appreciation for the musical risks, I must admit that the songs themselves were hit or miss. Some numbers felt poignant and haunting, while others felt somewhat misplaced or failed to resonate with the emotional beats of the story. That said, I still admire the boldness in trying something different, even if the execution didn’t always land perfectly.

Themes of Madness, Identity, and Manipulation

What stood out most to me, as with the first film, were the themes of identity, madness, and manipulation. Folie à Deux takes these concepts even further, exploring the dark allure of infamy and the ways people manipulate others to achieve their own goals. 

Lee Quinzel is emblematic of this manipulation—her obsession with Arthur and the Joker persona is rooted in her desire to be part of something larger, to rewrite her own narrative through someone else’s. Yet, her lies and deceit ultimately contribute to her undoing.

Arthur’s journey is less about embracing madness, as it was in the first film, and more about grappling with the consequences of it. 

His trial becomes a focal point for this struggle, as he must confront the reality of what he’s done and decide whether to continue living as the Joker or renounce that identity. The courtroom scenes were tense and emotional, especially when Harvey Dent brings in witnesses to dismantle Arthur’s insanity plea. 

Watching Arthur wrestle with the decision to take responsibility for his actions or to continue hiding behind his alter-ego was one of the film’s most compelling aspects.

The Supporting Cast and Their Roles

Brendan Gleeson and Catherine Keener play pivotal supporting roles as Jackie Sullivan (an abusive Arkham guard) and Maryanne Stewart (Arthur’s lawyer), respectively. 

Gleeson’s performance as Sullivan is chilling—he embodies the corrupt authority figure that pushes Arthur further into madness. His brutalization of Arthur, including the harrowing shower scene, is both disturbing and indicative of the inhumane treatment that Arthur faces throughout his time at Arkham.

Keener’s portrayal of Maryanne is a more subdued yet powerful performance. As Arthur’s lawyer, she represents a glimmer of hope for his redemption, but ultimately even she is unable to save him from his fate. 

Her disillusionment with Arthur during the trial is palpable, and it serves as a reminder of how far Arthur has fallen, even in the eyes of those trying to help him.

A Disjointed Narrative or a Reflection of Madness?

One of the criticisms Folie à Deux has faced is its somewhat disjointed narrative, with some critics arguing that the film lacks the tight, cohesive structure of the first Joker. In my view, the disjointedness is intentional—a reflection of the fractured mental states of its characters. 

Both Arthur and Lee are unreliable narrators in their own stories, and the film mirrors this instability in its shifting tones and seemingly disconnected scenes. This may not work for everyone, and indeed, some moments felt aimless or repetitive, but I appreciated the way the film embraced this chaos as part of its overall atmosphere.

The scenes where Arthur and Lee are separated, spending long stretches of time apart, contribute to this sense of disconnection. At times, it felt like the film was losing momentum, especially as the relationship between the two protagonists is the driving force behind much of the emotional stakes. However, when they do come together—whether through song, conflict, or brief moments of intimacy—the film regains its intensity.

Box-office performance of Joker: Folie à Deux

The box-office performance of Joker: Folie à Deux has been a significant point of discussion, especially given the high expectations set by its predecessor, Joker (2019), which was a massive commercial success. With the 2019 Joker grossing over $1 billion worldwide, there was substantial anticipation that Folie à Deux could follow in its footsteps. However, the box office story of this sequel has been markedly different.

Opening Weekend and Expectations

Joker: Folie à Deux opened on October 4, 2024, after premiering at the 81st Venice International Film Festival. Early projections for the film were initially optimistic, with some estimates suggesting it could open to over $100 million domestically. 

However, as the release date approached, those projections were revised down significantly. By the week of its release, box office expectations had dropped to around $55-60 million for its opening weekend in the U.S. and Canada. 

The film ultimately opened with a disappointing $40 million in its first weekend, well below even the revised expectations. 

This marked a sharp contrast to the $96.2 million debut of the first Joker film. Several factors likely contributed to this underperformance, including the film’s unconventional musical elements, its darker tone, and the fact that many fans of the original were possibly put off by the genre shift.

Mixed Critical Reception and Audience Reaction

One of the key reasons for the underwhelming box office numbers was the film’s critical reception and audience response. Joker: Folie à Deux received mixed to negative reviews from critics. 

On Rotten Tomatoes, the film’s approval rating dropped to 33%, far below the 2019 Joker's score. Audiences were also lukewarm, as evidenced by the film receiving a rare "D" CinemaScore, significantly lower than the first film’s "B+". 

A CinemaScore that low is almost unheard of for a high-profile sequel, particularly one with a built-in fanbase.

The negative word-of-mouth likely deterred many potential viewers, as the film struggled to capture the same widespread interest as its predecessor. 

Fans of the first movie, which focused on Arthur Fleck’s transformation into the Joker, may have been turned off by Folie à Deux’s musical approach and more surreal narrative structure. Additionally, the film’s dark and heavy themes, combined with its somewhat disjointed narrative, may not have resonated with a broader audience expecting a more conventional superhero or villain origin story.

International Performance

Despite its lackluster domestic performance, Joker: Folie à Deux performed better internationally. In its opening weekend, the film grossed $81.1 million in other territories, bringing its global total to $121.1 million. 

However, this is still far from what was expected, given the film’s $200 million production budget. For the film to break even, it would need to gross around $450 million globally. By its opening weekend, it was clear that the film had an uphill battle to reach profitability.

International audiences seemed more receptive to the film’s unique blend of psychological drama and musical elements. Countries in Europe, in particular, showed stronger support for the film, possibly due to a cultural appreciation for more experimental and artistic filmmaking styles. 

However, even with better overseas numbers, the film's overall performance fell short of Warner Bros.' expectations.

Competition and Timing

Another factor that may have hindered the box office performance of Folie à Deux is the timing of its release. October 2024 was a crowded month at the box office, with several other high-profile films competing for audience attention. 

Films like The Wild Robot, a family-friendly animated feature, and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, a major hit, siphoned away potential viewers from Folie à Deux. 

Additionally, Megalopolis, Francis Ford Coppola’s ambitious new film, also drew attention, particularly from more adult-oriented audiences, further reducing the potential audience for Folie à Deux.

The $200 Million Budget Problem

One of the most surprising aspects of Joker: Folie à Deux is its reported $200 million production budget. This is an exceptionally high budget for a film that is not a typical superhero action blockbuster but instead a dark psychological musical. 

The 2019 Joker was made on a relatively modest budget of $55-70 million, and its massive profitability came from the relatively low production costs coupled with its impressive box-office haul.

In contrast, the budget for Folie à Deux includes not only the high salaries for stars Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga but also the elaborate musical set pieces and high production values. Given the film’s opening weekend numbers and lukewarm reception, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Folie à Deux will struggle to recoup its production costs, much less turn a significant profit.

Warner Bros. likely hoped that the star power of Phoenix and Gaga, combined with the curiosity surrounding the sequel, would lead to box office success. 

However, the decision to allocate such a large budget to a risky and unconventional film has proven to be a financial gamble that may not pay off.

Long-Term Prospects

While Joker: Folie à Deux may have underperformed in its opening weeks, there’s still potential for the film to find an audience over time. 

The original Joker film had a slow burn at the box office, building momentum through word-of-mouth, and while Folie à Deux hasn’t had the same initial reception, it could still attract viewers who are intrigued by its unique style and narrative.

Additionally, the film’s release in premium formats like IMAX and 70mm may help boost its box office performance, particularly among cinephiles who are drawn to the spectacle of these large-screen presentations. 

However, given its steep budget and the competition it faces, Folie à Deux will need to sustain interest over the coming weeks and months to come close to breaking even.

Final Thoughts

Joker: Folie à Deux is far from a perfect film. Its ambitious choices, particularly the musical elements, may alienate some audiences, and the disjointed narrative can be difficult to follow at times. 

However, for those willing to embrace its unconventional style, the film offers a deeply unsettling and thought-provoking exploration of identity, madness, and the consequences of one’s actions.

Joaquin Phoenix delivers another outstanding performance, portraying a more introspective and broken Arthur Fleck, while Lady Gaga’s portrayal of Lee Quinzel is both chilling and tragic. The film’s musical numbers, while divisive, add a unique layer to the story, further blurring the line between reality and delusion.

Ultimately, Folie à Deux is a bold and risky sequel that will no doubt provoke strong reactions, much like its predecessor. For me, the film’s ambition and willingness to push boundaries make it a fascinating, albeit flawed, continuation of Arthur Fleck’s story. 

Whether you love it or hate it, there’s no denying that Joker: Folie à Deux is an unforgettable cinematic experience.