Welcome back to The Movievaures, your ultimate guide to all things cinema! Today, we’re diving into one of the most highly anticipated yet polarizing films of the year, Joker: Folie à Deux. With a star-studded cast, an unexpected musical twist, and a story that flips the narrative of its predecessor, this movie left a strong impression on viewers, but not all of them in a good way. Let’s break down what makes this film such a bold choice for director Todd Phillips, and why Folie à Deux is as divisive as it is thought-provoking. Don’t worry; I’ll keep things spoiler-free for now!

Joker: Folie à Deux picks up after the 2019 film Joker, which followed Arthur Fleck’s dark descent into becoming Gotham’s infamous villain. In this new installment, directed once again by Todd Phillips, we rejoin Arthur (Joaquin Phoenix) as he confronts the fallout of his actions from the first film, now alo0ngside Lee Quinzel (Lady Gaga), his equally unhinged love interest. The film leans into its title, “folie à deux” (madness shared by two), depicting a twisted relationship that thrives within their own delusions

Joker: Folie à Deux has faced polarizing reactions from both critics and audiences. While the first film struck a nerve with its dark and sympathetic portrayal of Arthur Fleck, the sequel received more critical pushback. Financially, the movie has struggled, grossing $201 million against a budget that reportedly reached up to $200 million. Critical response on sites like Rotten Tomatoes reflects this divide, with some praising the film’s ambitious take on mental illness and relationships, while others found it confusing and unnecessarily alienating.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the film’s reception is the criticism it received for its subversive narrative choices. By positioning Arthur as less of a “hero” and more of a tragic figure, Phillips essentially challenges the audience’s perception of him, creating a story that intentionally doesn’t deliver the heroic or redemptive arcs that some fans expected. This approach caused many who admired the first film’s raw intensity to feel alienated, with some calling it a “very expensive punchline” aimed at the very fans who lionized the Joker character.

Let me be clear—Joker: Folie à Deux is no Joker. The first movie was revolutionary, gripping audiences with its portrayal of isolation and societal neglect. I won’t pretend this sequel reaches those same heights, but I do think it’s far better than the wave of backlash suggests. Many seem to have dismissed it entirely due to its musical sequences, but in my view, those elements are what make it unique. The musical numbers fit within the story’s context, as they give us insight into the chaotic minds of Arthur and Lee, who live in a world of their own making.

Here’s the real sticking point: the original Joker garnered a fanbase that saw Arthur Fleck as a misunderstood hero. But the sequel goes out of its way to dismantle that image, showing Arthur in a more pathetic and unstable light. And let’s be honest—anyone idolizing the Joker has fundamentally misinterpreted the character. This sequel doesn’t aim to glorify him; rather, it critiques the very idea of seeing such a flawed character as a hero. To me, the backlash speaks more to how the first film was misunderstood than any failing on the part of Folie à Deux. Phillips forces audiences to confront their attachment to a dangerous and deeply flawed figure, and it’s uncomfortable but necessary.

Joker: Folie à Deux isn’t a crowd-pleaser, and it doesn’t try to be. It’s a thought-provoking, strange, and sometimes unsettling film that challenges viewers in unexpected ways. But if you’re willing to step outside the bounds of traditional superhero cinema and embrace something different, you might find it worth the watch. What about you? Have you seen Folie à Deux? What did you think of its approach? I’d love to hear your thoughts! And, of course, don’t forget to follow The Movievaures on Instagram for more reviews, discussions, and movie updates. See you in the comments!