Director Todd Phillips returns with the highly anticipated sequel to his controversial 2019 DCEU adventure, Joker. The new film, Joker: Folie à Deux, brings back Joaquin Phoenix (Walk the Line, Her) as Arthur Fleck, the mentally disturbed criminal who becomes the Joker. Joining Phoenix is the iconic Lady Gaga (A Star is Born) as Harley Quinn, while Zazie Beetz (Deadpool 2, Atlanta) reprises her role, albeit all too briefly, from the first movie. Irish actor Brendan Gleeson (The Banshees of Inisherin, Harry Potter) and Catherine Keener (Get Out, Capote) add gravitas to the cast.

Joker: Folie à Deux delves deeper into Arthur’s descent into madness, set against Gotham City’s criminal underworld. With a musical twist, Phoenix and Gaga share several striking performances together.

The story follows Arthur navigating life in Arkham Asylum five years after the first film’s events. His Joker persona becomes central to a legal battle where his lawyer (Keener) argues for his mental instability, while district attorney Harvey Dent (Industry alum Harry Lawtey, impressive) seeks the death penalty. Arthur’s chaotic relationship with fellow patient Harleen Quinzel (Gaga), who becomes obsessed with him, drives much of the plot, blending courtroom drama with surreal musical sequences.

What distinguishes Folie à Deux from its predecessor is its bold dive into musical elements, evoking the surreal style of Dennis Potter’s Pennies from Heaven. Phillips weaves in homages to classic cinema, incorporating a mix of prison drama and courtroom tension reminiscent of ’60s and ’70s films. The musical elements, along with Lady Gaga’s introduction as Harley, provide a fascinating contrast to the gritty psychological tone of the first movie that borrowed more than just a little from Martin Scorsese’s The King of Comedy (1983). Gaga’s portrayal of Harley Quinn is grounded, manipulative, and far darker than previous versions, giving the character a fresh, complex twist.

Phoenix and Gaga’s chemistry is electrifying, particularly in their shared scenes. While Joker (2019) focused on one man’s psychological breakdown, Folie à Deux expands the narrative to explore both Arthur’s internal conflict and his fiery romance with Quinn.

The musical sequences, while unconventional for a DC film, are one of Phillips’ boldest approaches and its most memorable moments. Gaga’s magnetic screen presence elevates the film, making it a unique entry in the superhero genre that may appeal more to cinephiles than traditional DC fans.

Despite some uneven pacing and the claustrophobic setting of Arkham, Folie à Deux offers a fresh, albeit polarising, take on the Joker’s world. There are also nods to Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers movies, as well as a killer hat tip to Michael Curtiz’s cult gangster classic Angels With Dirty Faces starring Jimmy Cagney.

The film’s blend of courtroom drama, psychological struggle, and musical extravaganza might not resonate with everyone, but for those willing to embrace the film’s bold creative choices, Lady Gaga’s performance, the daring musical direction, and the film’s powerful score – courtesy of Hildur Guðnadóttir – offer plenty to admire and revisit.

As the film closes, viewers may be left wondering if Gaga’s Harley Quinn could return for a standalone adventure, bringing even more chaos and diva energy to Gotham. Joker: Folie à Deux leaves a lasting impression, merging psychological intensity with musical spectacle. Though sure to be divisive, it is undeniably an unforgettable cinematic experience from an incredibly talented filmmaker.

REVIEW OVERVIEW
Joker: Folie à Deux
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Linda Marric
Linda Marric is a senior film critic and the newly appointed Reviews Editor for HeyUGuys. She has written extensively about film and TV over the last decade. After graduating with a degree in Film Studies from King's College London, she has worked in post-production on a number of film projects and other film related roles. She has a huge passion for intelligent Scifi movies and is never put off by the prospect of a romantic comedy. Favourite movie: Brazil.
joker-folie-a-deux-reviewJoker: Folie à Deux leaves a lasting impression, merging psychological intensity with musical spectacle. Though sure to be divisive, it is undeniably an unforgettable cinematic experience from an incredibly talented filmmaker.