Member-only story

Film Reviews

Film Review: “Joker: Folie à Deux” (2024)

Todd Phillips’ “Joker: Folie à Deux” takes psychological instability to an entirely new level. Five Stars: ★★★★★

Shain E. Thomas
4 min readNov 10, 2024

--

Non-Medium Members: Click here!

Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix, seen in Todd Phillips’ “Joker: Folie à Deux”, portray Harley Quinn and Arthur Fleck / The Joker

After murdering Murray Franklin live on television, Arthur Fleck is incarcerated in Arkham Asylum, where he meets Harleen Quinzel. The two fall madly in love and experience musical madness through their shared delusions, while Fleck’s followers start a movement to free him from Arkham and plunge Gotham City into chaos.

Performances are important to the success of a film. There are times when moviegoing audience members have walked out of a screening because performances haven’t been worth the cost of the ticket.

It has been argued numerous times that there is nothing new under the sun. That, especially in this case, isn’t entirely true. Seriously psychotic. Todd Phillips’ Joker: Folie à Deux, with a title perfectly reflective of the two lead characters, is one of the best films of the year. The potential for awards is readily apparent.

There is much that can be said for this sequel. It surpasses expectations. Everything about Phillips’ film keeps audience members at the edge of their seats.

--

--

Shain E. Thomas
Shain E. Thomas

Written by Shain E. Thomas

With an M.Sc. from the University of North Texas, I’m a freelance journalist and a social historian. #APStylebook #BBCStyleGuide http://shainethomas.com/

Responses (2)