Review – Joker: Folie À Deux – “struggles to say something relevant.”

Back in 2019, the first Joker movie earned Joaquin Phoenix an Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal of the bullied and broken Arthur Fleck before transforming into the Joker. The film was self-contained, but following its massive success a sequel was agreed and here we are. Largely unnecessary and 30 minutes too long, there are some things that Joker: Folie À Deux excels in exploring but the movie feels flat and the plot meandering.

Picking up after the events of the last film, Arthur is in Arkham Asylum awaiting trial for the murders he committed, not least of all the murder of Murray Franklin (Robert De Niro) on live TV. Joaquin’s first appearance as the skinny dishevelled inmate reminds you why he was lauded in the first place. His performance continues to stun as we see him navigate rotten guards (led by Brendan Gleeson) and his exuberant fantasies as the Joker.

The film quickly introduces us to the second person to take part in Joker’s Folie – Harley ‘Lee’ Quinzel (Lady Gaga). Lee doesn’t provide a breath of fresh air, rather she’s an enabling fan who just wants more Joker. A fellow inmate, she’s obsessed with the Joker and what he inspires in people. If the film has a theme, it’s dealing with toxic impressionable fans. It’s a juicy theme that this film could have delved into but it just doesn’t engage with it.

Lee and Arthur meet at a singing workshop at the asylum and from there the film becomes a jukebox musical. The songs wouldn’t be a problem if director Todd Phillips didn’t have them sing in character. Arthur isn’t much of a singer and Lady Gaga is holding back as Lee. The songs are further dulled by the lack of stage direction, which reminds you of the constrained numbers in Les Misérables (2012). Surprisingly Brendan Gleeson delivers the best singing.

As Arthur prepares for trial, he begins to fall in love with Lee who enables him, encouraging him to dress up as Joker and give the people what they want. In a credit to the film, the ending does try to address the toxic fantasy he’s inspired and encourages accountability but it’s a half-hearted addition.

Audiences may be satisfied with watching the events of the film unravel, revealing the image of a sad lonely man who has been given too much sway over an adoring public but Joker: Folie À Deux struggles to say something relevant.

The film is out on 4th October 2024.