Chante JVR

⭐⭐⭐

Joker: Folie à Deux, Todd Phillips’ much-anticipated follow-up to his 2019 psychological masterpiece, dares to take the franchise in an entirely new direction. However, while the film boasts flashes of brilliance, it doesn’t quite capture the raw, unsettling magic of its predecessor.

The decision to turn this sequel into a musical was… interesting. Lady Gaga, stepping into the role of Harley Quinn, delivers a captivating performance. Her chemistry with Joaquin Phoenix’s Arthur Fleck is compelling, and her portrayal of Harley is equal parts vulnerable, unhinged, and charismatic. Gaga also shines in the musical sequences, with her haunting vocals lending an eerie beauty to the film’s surreal atmosphere.

Phoenix, as always, gives his all to the role of Arthur, but this time his performance feels less grounded and more theatrical, reflecting the heightened, almost operatic tone of the story. While this approach aligns with the musical format, it sacrifices some of the authenticity that made his portrayal in the first film so unforgettable.

Visually, the film is stunning. The production design, drenched in dark, vibrant hues, creates a nightmarish dreamscape that complements Arthur’s fractured psyche. The musical numbers, though divisive, are meticulously crafted, with choreography and cinematography that evoke the feel of a fever dream.

Unfortunately, the narrative struggles to justify its existence. While Joker: Folie à Deux offers an intriguing exploration of Arthur and Harley’s toxic, co-dependent relationship, the story often feels disjointed and meandering. The pacing is uneven, with some sequences dragging while others rush through potentially powerful moments. The film occasionally loses sight of its characters, prioritizing style over substance.

The musical elements, while innovative, may polarize audiences. At times, they enhance the story’s surrealism, but at others, they feel jarring and detract from the emotional weight of the film. It’s a bold experiment that doesn’t always pay off, leaving some viewers questioning whether the musical format was the right choice for such a gritty, grounded world. Even myself, a self-proclaimed theatre kid, felt the musical numbers were disjointed and completely forgettable.

Joker: Folie à Deux is a fascinating but flawed sequel. It takes risks, and while some succeed, others falter, leaving the film feeling uneven and less impactful than the original. Fans of the first Joker may find themselves divided over this new direction, but Lady Gaga’s performance alone makes it worth a watch.

Final Thoughts

A three-star effort, this sequel is ambitious but ultimately struggles to live up to its predecessor. It’s a film that will spark debate, and while it may not please everyone, it’s a testament to Phillips’ willingness to push boundaries in the superhero genre.