As a reviewer in the age of online critic platforms, it’s practically mandatory to hate Joker: Folie à Deux. I mean, who could possibly enjoy watching Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga share the screen in a gritty, psychologically intense musical? The internet has spoken, and apparently, we must all roll our eyes at the audacity of taking the franchise in a bold, creative direction. Forget the stunning performances or complex character development—if Twitter says musicals don’t belong in Gotham, then, by all means, we must all comply! What a chore.
Joker: Folie à Deux” ambitiously leans into musical elements, but this creative choice feels more like an indulgence than an organic evolution of the narrative. The dark, gritty atmosphere that made the first film so compelling gets overshadowed by extravagant musical sequences, which often feel jarring and misplaced. Instead of deepening the psychological exploration of Arthur Fleck’s descent, the musical interludes detract from the tension, turning key moments into theatrical set-pieces that dilute the character’s emotional gravity. While bold in vision, the film’s over-reliance on showmanship risks alienating those drawn to the raw intensity of the original.
The main cast of *”Joker: Folie à Deux”* includes:
– Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck / Joker – Reprising his Oscar-winning role, Phoenix returns as the tormented and unstable Arthur Fleck.
– Lady Gaga as Dr. Harleen Quinzel / Harley Quinn – Gaga joins the cast as Harley Quinn, a psychiatrist who becomes romantically involved with the Joker.
– Zazie Beetz as Sophie Dumond – Returning from the first film, Beetz plays Sophie, Arthur’s former neighbor and imagined love interest.
– Brendan Gleeson – While his role hasn’t been fully disclosed, Gleeson joins the cast in a significant supporting part.
– Catherine Keener – Another new addition, though her role remains undisclosed.
– Harry Lawtey – Lawtey is cast in a yet-unknown role, rumored to be crucial to the storyline.
This ensemble is led by Phoenix and Gaga, with several exciting new additions to the already intense world of Joker.
