Joker: Folie à Deux Might Just Deserve A Second Viewing

This movie faced way more backlash than it truly deserved. I went in bracing myself for a disaster, but instead, I discovered a fascinating and fresh take on a comic book character’s narrative. Contrary to the buzz, this isn’t just a full-blown musical. The concept of the Joker having these songs echoing in his mind was pretty apparent, and I think it was executed brilliantly.

At first, the ending threw me for a loop, but after letting it marinate for a few days, I began to appreciate it. In fact, I believe it’s the only logical way to conclude not just this film, but the entire duology. The callbacks to the previous film were excellent, and the subtle references to Harley and the Joker’s relationship across different universes felt like a delightful surprise. I couldn’t help but chuckle at the “Lee” character, who threw in a cheeky nod to Harley Quinn. I think some folks were hoping for a Margot Robbie-style Quinn, but we’ve seen that portrayal and loved it; we don’t need a repeat.

This film offers a darker reinterpretation of what the Joker might be like in our reality, as opposed to the cartoonish or comic iterations we’ve seen before, even with Heath Ledger’s iconic version. Joaquin Phoenix surprised me with his singing skills, and with Gaga’s exceptional voice, it all came together brilliantly. Maybe if people approached movies without their biases and preconceptions, they’d avoid disappointment and the avalanche of negative reviews that sometimes tip the scales for others.

The cinematography is stunning—so many shots are genuinely beautiful. The set designs are top-notch and exude those classic Taxi Driver vibes. The fact that it barely exists within the Gotham universe adds a refreshing twist, especially considering how saturated we’ve been with comic book and superhero films for years.

I strongly believe this film deserves a second viewing; I can see it developing a cult following and earning a place as a celebrated classic 10 to 20 years from now. If you haven’t seen it yet, give “Joker: Folie à Deux” a chance. And if you’ve already watched it, I urge you to revisit it; you might be pleasantly surprised now that you know what to expect. Regardless, this is a solid film with a fitting and inevitable ending for the Joker.

And one last thought: I appreciate the ambiguity of the ending and the film itself—it’s tantalizingly unclear what’s what, and I love that element in cinema.