By Jay’Mi Vazquez
Managing Editor

photo | Instagram
One of the many posters for “Joker: Folie à Deux.”
“Joker: Folie à Deux,” the sequel to the critically acclaimed “Joker,” received significant anticipation and hype upon its release.
However, the majority of viewers found it to be a disappointment.
“Joker: Folie à Deux” failed to resonate with DC fans as its predecessor did.
One of the primary criticisms of “Joker: Folie à Deux” was its incoherent plot.
Unlike the original film, which offered a focused and psychologically rich narrative, the sequel went through various themes without a clear direction.
The storytelling lacked the sharpness and depth that made the first film impactful. Instead of a gradual exploration of Arthur Fleck’s descent into madness, the sequel opted for a disjointed narrative that confuses rather than enlightens.
While the incorporation of musical elements from Lady Gaga, who played Lee Quinzel in the film, could have provided an innovative twist, it often felt forced and distracting.
The decision to integrate musical numbers disrupted the film’s pacing and undermined its darker themes, making the story about a crazed villain more of a soap opera.
Unlike traditional musicals, where the music enhances the narrative, the songs in “Folie à Deux” always appeared out of place, diluting the tension and emotional resonance established in the first film.
The film dragged on in parts, particularly during musical sequences that did not contribute to the plot.
Extended musical interludes disrupted the narrative flow, causing moments of tension.
This shift not only alienated audiences expecting a dramatic thriller but also failed to effectively leverage the musical format.
The sequel also struggled significantly with character development.
Arthur Fleck’s transformation into the Joker was meticulously crafted in the original film, allowing viewers to empathize with his struggles.
Actor Joaquin Phoenix really sold the transformation in the first film with his acting skills.
However, in “Folie à Deux,” the character dynamics felt rushed and underexplored.
The introduction of new characters, particularly Lee Quinzel, also known as Harley Quinn, did not allow for adequate exploration of their motivations and relationships.
This lack of depth diminished the emotional stakes, making it difficult for audiences to invest in the characters’ journeys.
The first film also delved into complex themes such as mental illness, societal neglect and the consequences of alienation.
In contrast, “Folie à Deux” skimmed the surface of these themes without providing anything impactful like the first film.
As a result, the film felt superficial, failing to engage audiences on a deeper philosophical level.
The tone shifts in “Folie à Deux” were also extremely jarring.
While the original maintained a bleak and gritty atmosphere, the sequel oscillated between dark humor and melodrama in a way that felt inconsistent.
This inconsistency detracted from the overall impact, leaving viewers unsure of the film’s intended emotional tone.
The balance between comedy and tragedy, which was so masterfully handled in the first film, felt mishandled in this sequel, leading to a disjointed watch.
The immense success of “Joker” set a high bar for its sequel.
Expectations were not only based on the original’s narrative and thematic depth but also on Joaquin Phoenix’s outstanding performance.
While Phoenix did return with his usual intensity, the surrounding material did not match his caliber.
The weight of these comparisons overshadows the sequel, causing audiences to judge it harshly.
The film scored a 5.3/10 from IMDb and 32% from Rotten Tomatoes.
Interestingly, the day after the film was released, Director Todd Phillips shared a post saying he will no longer be directing DC Universe movies.
Fans are now speculating he is moving on because of how poorly this monstrosity of a film performed at the box office.
As disappointing as “Joker: Folie à Deux” was, fans do hope that there will be a third film that brings the same energy the first film had.
If a third film releases, fans should be treated with a jaw-dropping film that does not depend on unneeded musical elements.