What a trip. 

Those were the first words that left my mouth when I exited the theater after seeing “Joker: Folie à Deux.”

Not an enjoyable trip necessarily, but rather a strange one that I was relieved to be done with when the credits rolled. 

In what was for me, a highly anticipated sequel to 2019’s “Joker,” a film I thought was a new and exciting take on a beloved character, the sequel feels quite empty and soulless by comparison. 

The film opens with Arthur Fleck, played by the always terrific Joaquin Phoenix, as he rots in the Arkham State Hospital awaiting his trial for the five murders he committed in the first film, six if you count his mother, but he is only charged with five. 

The rest of the movie follows Arthur’s trial and blossoming romance with Lee Quinzel, a fellow mental patient played by the fabulous Lady Gaga, who, alongside Phoenix, is one of the only redeeming qualities of this film. 

“Joker” excellently established Arthur as an extremely unreliable narrator who left the audience constantly questioning whether the events happening on screen were real or if it was all in his head. 

“Folie à Deux” disregards this and instead draws clear distinctions between real life events and the fantastical dream scenarios that happen solely in Arthur’s twisted mind through the use of musical numbers, which to be fair are the highlights of the movie. 

Both Arthur and Lee will spontaneously break into song in the real world before the scene suddenly shifts to them in full costume and makeup giving elaborate performances on stage or under spotlights. 

These musical numbers are fun and their constant inclusion does help the film feel alive, but also illustrates just how slow and dull the rest of the movie truly is. 

Phoenix and Gaga give it their all and do everything possible to salvage this film, but ultimately fail in the attempt. 

“Folie à Deux” should be added to the long list of unnecessary sequels that do more harm than good to the original and will be remembered more as a spectacle than a competent piece of film making. 

Official Score: 5/10

Categories: Arts & Entertainment