When Todd Phillips presented to the world Joker in 2019, audiences were struck by its raw portrayals of mental illness and its struggles, along with societal decay, all pressed against the backbone of Gotham City. The Sequel, Joker: A Folie a Deux, lifts the vision by pushing boundaries further, diving deeper into Arthur Fleck’s deranged mind while bringing to life an unexpected musical twist. The film intertwines chaos with display, madness with art, and tragedy with performance, leaving viewers both astonished and unsettled.
Folie a Deux, a French term meaning “Madness of two”, properly describes the big picture of the movie, as it explores the codependent and destructive relationship between Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) and his new partner in crime, Harley Quinn (Lady Gaga). The relationship dynamic between Phoenix and Gaga is thrilling, as their chemistry burns with intensity, reeling viewers into their world of a distorted reality. Phoenix, already applauded for his Oscar-winning performance in the first film, is once again hypnotic as the Joker. He brings an eerie Depth to Arthur, whose laughter is as much a cry for help as it is a weapon.
Lady Gaga, however, is the true revelation. Her portrayal of Harley Quinn is recognizable from past performers. The bubbly, hyperactive persona we once knew is lost, instead, Gaga’s Harley is a more grounded, tormented individual–an aspiring psychiatrist who slowly spirals into insanity. She is drawn to Arthur’s twisted charisma, eventually becoming a willing participant in his madness. Gaga’s performance is both powerful and significant, capturing a character on the verge of losing her grip on reality while being influenced by the freedom that madness provides.
Moreover, One of the most striking aspects of Joker: Folie a Deux is its use of music. Phillips surprises audiences by transforming this dark psychological journey into a pseudo-musical. Rather than just being a background element, the music here is woven directly into the narrative, acting as an emotional language for Arthur and Harley. Lady Gaga’s background as a famous pop icon brings unique layers to her portrayal, and Phillips takes full advantage of her musical talent, giving her several amazing solos that range from eerie and unsettling to strangely romantic. The musical sequences are as surreal as they are disturbing, reminiscent of sequences from classic musicals but laced with the unsettling atmosphere of Gotham. These moments are designed to feel almost unreal, blurring the lines between Arthur’s reality and his inner fantasies. The contrast between the upbeat musician stylings and the dark, violent storylines creates an unsettling atmosphere that heightens the film’s intensity.
Like its predecessor, Joker: Folie a Deux is visually stunning, with cinematographer Lawrence Sher returning to capture Gotham’s dark, decaying beauty. The color palette shifts between stark, cold tones in Arkham and intense, vibrant hues in the musical scenes, mirroring the characters’ emotional landscapes. The claustrophobic setting of Arkham Asylum amplifies the oppressive atmosphere, and Phillips uses it to his advantage, emphasizing Arthur Fleck’s entrapment, both physical and psychological. Sher’s use of the Close-ups and shadowy lighting gives the film an almost claustrophobic feel, placing the viewer directly inside of Arthur’s disturbed mind. These visual choices reflect the story’s shift from Gotham streets to Arthur’s internal chaos, drawing audiences into the twisted, nightmarish world that Arthur and Harley inhabit.
Finally, Joker: Folie a Deux is not a conventional sequel. It’s not a simple expansion of the original story, nor does it rely on typical comic book tropes. Instead, Phillips has crafted a film that is daring, unexpected, and strangely alluring. The film may not resonate with everyone, as its musical elements and dark, psychological tone make it a bold departure from traditional superhero cinema. But for those who are willing to embrace the darkness and explore the murky depths of Arthur and Harley’s world, it offers an intense, thought-provoking experience.
