Todd Phillips’ ‘Joker: Folie a Deux‘ has sparked intense debate since its October 2 release, with reviews dividing critics and audiences alike.
Starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, the film has seen its rating on Rotten Tomatoes plummet to 39%, placing it among the lowest-rated DC Comics films. Some outraged fans even took to social media to vent their frustration, with one calling the film “a BAD JOKE on fans”.
Despite the criticism, an increasing number of viewers who caught early screenings are stepping up to defend the sequel to the Oscar-nominated ‘Joker’ (2019).They argue that the negative response misses the film’s deeper message, urging others not to “jump on the empty hate train.” One fan suggested that ‘Folie a Deux’ is “more complex than just the first watch,” emphasizing that the film’s layers might take time to resonate.Critics had predicted that the movie was “designed to create a divide” among audiences, and the recent backlash seems to confirm that assessment. However, supporters of the film argue that this divisiveness is intentional, with one fan tweeting, “#JokerFolieADeux is a sequel that will leave you empty. Because you, like the blood-thirsty society, wanted explosions, fire, passion… But you got what you deserved: another truth — that no one cared about good people, everyone only cared about the entertainment.”
Another fan praised the film for making a powerful statement, arguing that its negative reception reflects the very message the movie conveys. “#JokerFolieADeux was made to make a statement: people love sensationalism and don’t really care about mental illness. That’s what this movie is about, and it’s a powerful message.”
Supporters also highlighted the film’s exploration of Arthur Fleck’s (Phoenix) continued struggle with mental illness. “After watching ‘Joker: Folie a Deux’, I can say this is exactly what Todd and the cast wanted,” wrote one fan. “An outrage over the movie, because it completely destroys the fantasy that the first movie creates. Joker is no alpha male hero; he is just a man struggling to find his way in life.”
Others acknowledged the film’s discomforting moments as part of its brilliance. One viewer explained, “The last scene summed up the grating nature of random songs playing awkwardly in scenes because it was meant to be uncomfortable. We are watching two people completely lose it. And it’s not real. I think Todd ate with that. Those who get it, get it.”
While ‘Joker2 ‘ may not be universally beloved, one thing most can agree on is the film’s stunning visual execution, with cinematographer Lawrence Sher’s work receiving widespread praise. “Whether you love or hate #JokerFolieADeux, the cinematography is absolutely beguiling & beautiful,” one fan tweeted.
‘Joker 2’ continues the story of Arthur Fleck, played by Joaquin Phoenix, a mentally ill man who transforms into the infamous Batman villain, Joker. Lady Gaga joins the cast as Harley Quinn, the Joker’s iconic partner in crime. The film blends psychological drama with musical elements, taking a unique approach compared to the original film. Set in a gritty, fictional Gotham City, ‘Folie a Deux’ explores the complex and often disturbing relationship between the Joker and Harley, while continuing the themes of mental illness, societal breakdown, and violent rebellion established in the first film.
Joker: Folie A Deux – Official Trailer
