Todd Phillips’ highly anticipated sequel to the 2019 Oscar-winning Joker, Joker: Folie À Deux, made its debut at the 2024 Venice Film Festival, where it was met with a mixed reception from critics. The film, which is set for theatrical release on October 4, reunites Joaquin Phoenix with his iconic role as Arthur Fleck, also known as the Joker. This time around, Phoenix is joined by Lady Gaga, who plays Harley Quinn, the Joker’s equally troubled partner in crime. However, despite the star power and the expectations riding on this follow-up, many critics found the film lacking the intensity and impact of its predecessor.
The film picks up with Arthur institutionalized at Arkham Asylum, awaiting trial for his previous crimes. It is within this setting that he meets Harley Quinn, and together, they fall into a twisted romance. Trailers for the film have hinted that Joker: Folie À Deux would introduce more musical elements, tapping into the “music that’s always been inside” Arthur, adding a unique layer to this gritty world. The film also features performances from Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, and Zazie Beetz, who reprises her role from the original Joker.
However, despite its all-star cast and promising concept, initial reviews suggest that Joker: Folie À Deux struggles to live up to the legacy of the first film. David Rooney from The Hollywood Reporter labels the sequel as “uneven” and notes that while Gaga’s portrayal of Harley Quinn is one of the film’s stronger elements, the overall narrative feels thin and occasionally dull. Rooney compares the sequel to the original, noting that the first film benefitted from the sturdy foundation of classic Martin Scorsese films such as Taxi Driver and The King of Comedy. In contrast, he argues that Folie À Deux seems to rest more on a “conceit” than on a well-crafted story.
Jo-Ann Titmarsh of London’s Evening Standard echoes Rooney’s concerns, pointing out that the sequel lacks the “frission of excitement” that made the original so compelling. She criticizes the film for being “plodding” and slow-paced, taking the audience nowhere with a plot that doesn’t fully capitalize on its complex central character. According to Titmarsh, the film’s supposed exploration of madness and chaos is muted, resulting in a story that feels underwhelming.
Allison Willmore from Vulture takes issue with Arthur Fleck himself, arguing that despite Joaquin Phoenix’s dedication to the role, the character remains uninteresting. Willmore states that even as Arthur tries to take control of his own narrative, he becomes more of a “punching bag” for both the world and the director. This portrayal, she contends, makes Arthur less pitiable and more of a caricature, leading the film down a frustrating path.
One of the most common critiques among reviewers is that Lady Gaga, despite her central role as Harley Quinn, is underused in the film. The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw points out that Gaga’s performance is not given the space it deserves to develop, despite the buzz surrounding her involvement in the project. Given the fan anticipation for Gaga’s take on Harley Quinn, this lack of screen time is a major disappointment for many.
On the other hand, not all critics found the film lacking. Some appreciated the sequel’s daring choices. NME’s Matthew Turner lauds Joker: Folie À Deux for its fresh approach, calling it a “socially responsible” take on the character. He praises Phillips and co-writer Scott Silver for finding an intriguing way to explore the consequences of the first film’s events while also leaving the door open for potential future installments. Turner’s review offers hope for Joker fans, suggesting that the sequel, while different, still has the potential to resonate with audiences.
Similarly, Geoffrey Macnab of The Independent highlights the director’s playful approach in incorporating musical numbers and references to Hollywood classics, noting that Phillips appears to have had fun directing the film. Macnab also appreciates Phoenix’s performance, describing it as “powerful and stirring” and allowing viewers to feel sympathy for Arthur despite his deranged actions.
John Nugent at Empire also speaks positively of the film’s musical moments, arguing that the raw and unvarnished delivery of songs from both Phoenix and Gaga adds depth to the story. In particular, Nugent singles out Phoenix’s rendition of “For Once In My Life” as a standout scene, combining menace with genuine emotion in a way that’s both chilling and moving. He also appreciates the sequel’s more hopeful tone compared to the relentless bleakness of the first film.
While Joker: Folie À Deux may not have satisfied all expectations, the divergent opinions suggest that the film’s bold choices may still find their audience. Whether it’s the narrative pacing or the use of music, Todd Phillips’ second venture into the Joker’s world seems to have taken risks that, while not universally loved, continue to push the boundaries of comic book cinema. With the film set to release in October, audiences will soon have the chance to decide for themselves whether the sequel lives up to the legacy of its predecessor.
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