Joker Folie A Deux FIRST Review Out: Joaquin Phoenix Delivers 'Powerful' Act; Lady Gaga 'Underused'

Joker: Folie À Deux was unveiled to the public at the 2024 Venice Film Festival, serving as director Todd Phillips’ much-anticipated follow-up to his 2019 smash hit, Joker. The film reunites Oscar-winner Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck/Joker, and introduces Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn, a new and pivotal character in this twisted narrative. As reviews pour in, early reactions to the film are a mixed bag.

Phillips’ first Joker explored the psychological unraveling of Arthur Fleck, leading to his transformation into the Joker. Folie À Deux picks up where the first film left off, with Arthur institutionalised at Arkham Asylum. It’s here that he meets Dr. Harleen Quinzel, played by Lady Gaga, who soon becomes Harley Quinn, the Joker’s lover and partner in crime. While the concept is exciting on paper, the execution has left some critics underwhelmed.

The Hollywood Reporter’s David Rooney commends Phoenix’s performance but calls the sequel “uneven.” He praises Lady Gaga’s portrayal of Harley Quinn, yet expresses disappointment that the film’s story feels “narratively thin and at times dull.” Rooney remarks that Phillips had the support of classic Scorsese films like Taxi Driver and The King of Comedy in the original, which gave it a solid backbone. In contrast, Folie À Deux relies on a weaker story structure and more abstract conceits.

Jo-Ann Titmarsh from the Evening Standard echoes these sentiments, critiquing the film’s lack of energy. “Despite its fascinating and complex main character, the film is ultimately dull and plodding,” she writes, lamenting that the film’s tone is flat, missing the “frission of excitement” that such a story demands.

Critic Allison Willmore from Vulture points out that despite Joaquin Phoenix’s dedicated performance, Arthur Fleck is no longer as compelling. She feels that the character has turned into a “punching bag” for the world around him, as well as for Phillips, who subjects him to numerous humiliations that undercut the viewer’s empathy. Willmore suggests that Arthur’s descent into chaos has become more of a joke than a tragedy.

However, not all reviews are purely negative. The Independent’s Geoffrey Macnab acknowledges that Phillips brings a sense of fun to his direction, utilising musical numbers and Hollywood references to add flair. Macnab praises Phoenix’s “powerful” portrayal of Arthur, noting that his performance maintains the audience’s emotional investment in the character, despite his flaws and instability.

Empire’s John Nugent also finds value in the film’s musical elements, stating that Phoenix and Gaga’s haunting renditions of songs, such as Burt Bacharach’s Close to You, add layers of emotional depth to the narrative. In particular, Phoenix’s performance of For Once In My Life is a standout, blending menace with heartfelt passion, setting the tone for Arthur’s continued descent.

While Joker: Folie À Deux may not have reached the same heights as its predecessor, critics universally agree that Joaquin Phoenix remains a formidable force on screen. As for Lady Gaga, though her talents shine, some feel her role could have been better utilised. The film, set to release on October 2 in India and October 4 in the US, will soon face its biggest test: the audience reaction.