MOVIE REVIEW I Joker: Folie à Deux – Joker: Folie À Deux takes us back to the disturbed mind of Arthur Fleck (played once again by Joaquin Phoenix), now institutionalized at Arkham Asylum and awaiting trial for his violent outburst of crimes in the 2019 film Joker.
Directed by Todd Phillips, this sequel promises to delve deeper into Arthur’s fractured psyche, but instead delivers a confused, bloated, and cringeworthy experience that largely wastes its potential.
From the outset, Folie À Deux positions itself as a psychological exploration of duality—Arthur’s internal battle with the Joker persona—but it quickly gets lost in a sea of absurdity.
The film introduces an unexpected (and entirely unconvincing) love story, as Arthur finds himself romantically entangled with another character, which leads to a series of over-the-top, awkward musical numbers.
These sequences feel jarring and disjointed, as though the film can’t decide if it wants to be a gritty psychological thriller or a surreal musical, and ultimately it fails at being either.
The musical numbers, rather than providing insight into Arthur’s state of mind, feel forced and unnecessary, dragging down the pacing of the film. While there’s a certain curiosity in seeing Phoenix sing and dance, the execution is so awkward that it’s hard not to cringe through most of these moments.
It’s an odd, tonal departure from the eerie realism of the original Joker film, which brilliantly explored the alienation and mental unraveling of a man beaten down by society. In contrast, Folie À Deux veers into territory that’s both surreal and, frankly, silly.
The film’s central plot—Arthur’s incarceration at Arkham—offers little in terms of actual narrative development. There’s no real arc to Arthur’s time in the asylum; his interactions with guards and other patients are repetitive and ultimately lead nowhere. The screenplay seems content with rehashing the same themes of Arthur’s mental illness and dual identity without taking them anywhere fresh or insightful.
Even the subplot of Arthur being mistreated by Arkham’s staff feels half-baked and unresolved, which makes the film’s conflict feel incomplete.
While Joaquin Phoenix’s performance in the 2019 Joker was a haunting portrayal that earned him an Academy Award, here, it feels as though he’s going through the motions, shackled by a weak script. The raw energy and intensity he brought to the character are diluted by the film’s reliance on gimmicky musical sequences and an underwhelming plot.
It’s as if the filmmakers, in trying to do something radically different, forgot the essence of what made Joker compelling in the first place: the psychological complexity and unsettling realism of Arthur’s descent into madness.
The inevitable comparisons to Heath Ledger’s iconic portrayal of the Joker in The Dark Knight only further highlight this film’s shortcomings. Ledger’s Joker was menacing, chaotic, and unpredictable—qualities that are conspicuously absent from Folie À Deux.
Instead, Arthur is reduced to a caricature of his former self, caught in a cringe-inducing love story and a series of inexplicable musical numbers that feel more like a parody of the character than an extension of his journey.
The film does attempt to delve into Arthur’s internal struggle, grappling with the Joker persona and the remnants of his former self, but this exploration never fully materializes.
We see glimpses of Arthur questioning his identity and motivations, but the film doesn’t push these ideas far enough. Instead, it gets bogged down in its musical experimentations and a subplot that feels trivial in the grand scheme of Arthur’s character arc.
Perhaps the most disappointing aspect of Folie À Deux is that it doesn’t advance the narrative of the Joker franchise. There’s no major progression in Arthur’s story. The film hints at interesting possibilities—what if Arthur were found not guilty, for instance, and released back into society, setting the stage for a new chapter in his chaotic evolution? But none of these intriguing ideas are explored. Instead, we are left with a shallow, unsatisfying sequel that adds little to the character’s legacy.
The film’s climax is particularly underwhelming. Without giving too much away, the ending feels abrupt, pointless, and devoid of any real resolution. It’s a conclusion that leaves the audience feeling as though they’ve just sat through two hours of build-up for nothing.
The lack of emotional payoff or narrative closure is likely to frustrate fans who were hoping for something more substantial.
In the end, Joker: Folie À Deux is a disappointing follow-up to what was a truly remarkable first film. Where the original Joker was a masterful blend of psychological thriller and social commentary, this sequel feels like a confused and misguided attempt to recapture that magic with none of the substance.
With a weak plot, forced musical sequences, and an unsatisfying conclusion, it’s hard not to see Folie À Deux as a misstep in what could have been a promising continuation of the Joker story.
Joker: Folie à Deux – in cinemas 3 October, 2024
Rating
Aaron: 1 / 10 “Followed a crooked path on an unexpected but unsatisfying journey“
Zak: 0 / 10 “most anticipated movie of 2024 was the biggest bomb of 2024“
@universalpicsau
Cinema Experience:
Nestled on the outskirts of Perth’s CBD, The Backlot delivers a distinctive and intimate cinema experience. With only 50 seats, this private screening room is designed for exclusivity, offering a cozy yet upscale atmosphere. The cinema also features a stylish lounge area and a fully stocked bar, making it a go-to venue for film enthusiasts looking for something more personal than your typical multiplex.
However, the experience can vary. On a recent visit, the lone staff member arrived just 10 minutes before the scheduled 6:00 pm start time. This employee was responsible for every aspect of the operation—checking tickets, having attendees sign embargos, managing the food and drinks, and eventually starting the film. The rush was palpable, and while complimentary drinks were available, their availability wasn’t announced, leaving some patrons unaware. The rushed setup detracted from the leisurely atmosphere the venue intends to create, making the experience feel slightly chaotic.
One downside is the room’s compact size. Even from the back row, the screen feels overwhelmingly close, reducing the immersive quality of the viewing. Despite this, The Backlot still manages to charm with its boutique appeal, perfect for private screenings or smaller, more personal gatherings. For those seeking a unique and tailored cinema experience, it offers a refreshing alternative to the larger cinema chains, albeit with a few logistical hiccups.
Viewed at The Backlot, Perth.
Media Release – Universal
Link to Universal Pictures HERE
TV Central Movie Reviews HERE
