Joker 2: Folie à Deux – My Honest Review

Buckle up, everyone! I've got a lot to say about Joker 2, or Joker: Folie à Deux. From the way it’s been marketed to the critics' reactions and the discussions amongst fans—there’s a lot to unpack, and I’m here for it. Today, I’ll give you my full feelings, a review, and a bit of a discussion on what makes this movie what it is. And fair warning—I’m in a ranty mood.

Revisiting Arthur Fleck's Story

To start, Joker: Folie à Deux is the sequel to the 2019 film Joker, starring Joaquin Phoenix and directed by Todd Phillips. In the first film, we watched Arthur Fleck transform from a lonely, miserable man who felt invisible to society into a chaotic and violent figure—a result of his suffering reaching a boiling point. It was a powerful character study, albeit controversial, and this movie continues Arthur’s journey.

In Joker 2, we find Arthur in the aftermath of his infamous actions—standing trial and eventually in Arkham Asylum. He’s trapped in a cycle of feeling empty and lost, meandering through Arkham as if life has completely drained from him. At this point, there’s no trace of the Joker persona that came to life at the end of the first film. Arthur is medicated and dull, stripped of the fire and unpredictability that made him so captivating. And honestly, it felt tragic in a different way—seeing someone who once seized power in such a terrifying manner become a shell of his former self.

But, as with all Joker stories, there’s always a spark that reignites the madness. For Arthur, that spark comes when he first sees Harley Quinn—or, as they call her here, Lee—played by Lady Gaga. It’s just a passing glimpse as he’s being escorted to meet his lawyer, but something in him lights up. The music kicks in, and we see Arthur, for the first time in a while, showing signs of life. The chemistry between Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga is electric from the moment their characters cross paths, and it’s this encounter that begins to breathe new life into Arthur’s otherwise numb existence.

Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn

Speaking of Harley Quinn, let’s dive into Lady Gaga’s portrayal of the character. I have to say—I was thoroughly impressed. Gaga brings a heaviness to Harley that feels different from previous portrayals, while still keeping the essence of the character. There’s a lot of debate about whether her Harley is truly "Harley Quinn," but I’d argue that there are definitely moments where Gaga channels that classic Harley energy—the anger, the frustration, and the bitterness. It’s not Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn from Suicide Squad, but it has its own unique flavor that reminds me of the animated series Harley—the one who could be playful and whimsical one moment, and cold and dangerous the next.

Gaga’s performance is especially powerful in later parts of the movie, where she and Arthur begin to share their twisted, delusional dreams. Her chemistry with Joaquin Phoenix is undeniable, and she manages to bring a lot of depth to a character that could easily fall into caricature territory.

Joker as the "Main Character"

One thing that stood out to me throughout Joker 2 was the recurring theme of Arthur seeing himself as the "main character." The film heavily leans into musical elements, and honestly, it works. We know from the first film that Arthur loves old Hollywood, late-night talk shows, and music. In this sequel, the songs and dance numbers serve as an extension of his delusions—he imagines himself as the star of his own twisted production, a fantasy that allows him to cope with his bleak reality.

This theme of delusions and unfulfilled potential is woven throughout the film. Arthur constantly battles between wanting to fully embrace the Joker persona and being terrified of what that truly means. There’s a powerful moment where Arthur catches a glimpse of himself in a mirror, dressed as the Joker, and you can almost see the fear in his eyes—he’s not sure he wants to become this person. It’s a fascinating take on the character—one that doesn’t fully lean into the Joker we’ve seen in other adaptations but instead presents a version that’s hesitant, conflicted, and broken.

The Critics and the Audience

Now, let’s talk about the reception of Joker: Folie à Deux. There’s been a lot of negative criticism from critics and fans alike, and frankly, I don’t get it. Sure, it’s not a traditional comic book movie—but that’s the point. This isn’t a DCU or MCU film; it’s a character study, a psychological exploration of a man who almost becomes the Joker we know but ultimately falls short. And that’s what makes it interesting to me.

The film’s use of music, Lady Gaga’s performance, the slower pacing—it all works to create an atmosphere that feels unsettling yet intimate. Yes, it’s not the Joker in his final, fully-realized form. This is Arthur Fleck, a man with unrealized potential who is caught between wanting to be something more and fearing what that actually means. For Gotham, it’s almost a blessing that Arthur doesn’t fully give in. He’s not the chaotic villain we’ve come to know from other iterations—he’s something else, something sadder.

Why I Loved This Movie

Ultimately, I think Joker: Folie à Deux is an underrated take on the Joker mythos. It explores what might happen if someone like Arthur Fleck never fully became the Joker but instead hovered on the edge—always almost there, but never quite taking that final step. Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga both deliver fantastic performances, and Todd Phillips crafts a story that dares to be different.

It might not be for everyone, but if you approach it with the understanding that it’s not a typical comic book movie—that it’s more about the internal struggle of Arthur Fleck and his refusal to give in fully to the madness—then you might find something worth appreciating. To me, that’s what makes this film special: it’s a story about the Joker that isn’t about becoming the "Clown Prince of Crime," but about the struggle of trying to decide if that’s who you want to be.

Let’s Talk About It

Those are my thoughts on Joker: Folie à Deux. Do you agree? Disagree? Did you think the ending made sense, or were you hoping for something different? I’d love to hear your take. Drop a comment below, and let’s get a discussion going. And if you enjoyed this review, don’t forget to share it, subscribe, and keep an eye out for more content. Thanks for reading—and I’ll see you next time.