Given the massive impact Joker had back in 2019, I didn’t think its sequel could be more divisive. I went into this under the assumption that if you loved the first film, you’d probably love this one, and if you hated it, you’d likely hate this one. But after watching this film, I can confidently say Joker: Folie à Deux won't just be divisive, but it’s going to split people right down the middle more than the original ever did. My own wife and close friend, both of whom adored the first movie, walked out of this one completely disappointed. And here’s the kicker—it wasn’t even the fact that it’s a musical that bothered them. They just found it "boring". As for me? I absolutely loved this film. I think it’s just as much of a masterpiece as the first "Joker," if not more in some ways. It’s still dark, still gritty, but the musical elements add this infectious, rewatchable charm that makes it stand apart. Don’t get me wrong - this movie is still bleak, but the songs bring a strange kind of lightheartedness that contrasts sharply with the courtroom drama at the core of it all. And believe me, it works.

Joker: Folie à Deux picks up right where the first film left off, with Arthur Fleck sitting in jail for the chaos he unleashed. Watching it right after the original really helped bring the full weight of the story together. It’s a direct continuation, almost like we’re still stuck in the fever dream that is Arthur’s unraveling mind. The film digs deeper into questions of mental health, specifically making us question whether or not Arthur Fleck is the Joker and responsible for all of his crimes or whether the Joker a separate persona that Arthur can’t control. The film also brilliantly layers in commentary on how society and the media sensationalize its villains, often turning them into antiheroes for the lost and disillusioned. This is where Lady Gaga’s Harleen "Lee" Quinzel comes in. She’s someone obsessed with the Joker, drawn in by the media coverage of his crimes, and she’s hellbent on pushing Arthur to embrace the chaotic clown persona even more.

Let’s take a moment to acknowledge Joaquin Phoenix, who turns in another phenomenal performance as Arthur. This role is a goldmine for him, and I honestly wouldn’t be surprised to see him earn another Oscar nod, and maybe even a second win, for reprising the part. His Joker is just as raw, unhinged, and heart-wrenching as ever. And as for Lady Gaga? She more than holds her own. Her version of Harley Quinn, or “Lee” as she’s called here, is as unique and haunting as Phoenix’s Joker. If I had one minor complaint, it’s that her character isn’t given quite enough to do in the grand scheme of things. That said, when she’s on screen, she owns it. The chemistry between Phoenix and Gaga is absolutely electric. It's so palpable, that you can feel it radiate off the screen. Meanwhile, the ensemble cast this time around is even larger, and everyone brings their A-game. Brendan Gleeson, in particular, is a standout as Jackie Sullivan, a guard at Arkham Asylum with his own arc that adds layers to the story. There’s this brilliant tension between the larger-than-life leads and these supporting characters that makes the whole film feel like a tapestry of twisted, fascinating personalities.

Now, onto the musical aspect. Yes, this is a musical, and while that idea might sound jarring on paper, Todd Phillips proves once again that he knows how to subvert expectations. The music adds a wild new layer to the storytelling, lifting some of the movie’s bleakest moments with ironic, almost surreal levity. It’s absurd but in the best possible way. Both Phoenix and Gaga shine in their performances, and I’m already looking forward to buying the soundtrack and having it on repeat.

Speaking of Phillips, he’s outdone himself again with this one. This is pure cinema in every sense of the word. It doesn’t just toe the line of what we expect from comic book movies but erases the line entirely. Joker: Folie à Deux is a dark, thought-provoking, complex film, and once again, Phillips delivers a product that transcends its comic book origins to become something more. It’s a movie that stands proudly beside its predecessor but also carves out its own unique space.

Did we need a sequel to Joker? No. Did it need to be a musical? Definitely not. But here we are, and frankly, we’re better off for it. These two films watched back-to-back, are going to make for one hell of a double feature. Together, they tell one continuous story - one that’s complex, disturbing, and, yes, divisive. While I personally loved every second of this movie and believe it will be celebrated as a classic in the future, I know not everyone will feel the same. This is a movie that demands an open mind, and it’s sure to stir up all kinds of reactions. That being said, I highly recommend rushing to see it on the biggest screen possible. Whether you love it or hate it, Joker: Folie à Deux is an experience worth having.