Introduction

The highly anticipated sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux, featuring Joaquin Phoenix reprising his role as the iconic Arthur Fleck, has plummeted to an unwanted Rotten Tomatoes rating amid critical backlash. After its debut at the Venice Film Festival in September, critics have been vocal, with the film's rating initially sitting at a modest 61%, but this has since dropped dramatically to a disheartening 39%.

Cast and Reception

The contemporary musical also stars the talented Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn, Arthur’s complicated love interest. While some early reviews praised the film's psychological depth and Phoenix’s stunning performance—described by The Independent’s Geoffrey Macnab as “powerful and stirring”—the overall reception has shifted. Critics are now labeling it as “chaotic” and “profoundly stupid,” with outlets like Looper expressing skepticism that even the most ardent fans of the franchise will find it redeemable.

Rotten Tomatoes Consensus

The Rotten Tomatoes consensus summarizes the disappointment: “Joaquin Phoenix’s eponymous Joker takes the stand in a sequel that dances around while the story remains still, although Lady Gaga’s wildcard energy gives Folie à Deux some verve.” New York Times critic Manohia Dargis didn’t hold back, calling it “a half-baked, half-hearted musical,” contrasting the vocal abilities of Lady Gaga with Phoenix’s apparent struggles in musicality.

Critics' Opinions

Critics have been unified in their disappointment over the film's substantive content, with Richard Roeper from the Chicago-Sun Times lamenting that without significant character evolution, 'it starts to feel like we’ve seen this show before.' The Times’ Kevin Maher simply described the film as “messy” and “lifeless,” stating it’s exactly what you’d expect from something that “doesn’t want, or need, to exist.”

A Glimmer of Positivity

On a more positive note, a handful of reviews have pointed out redeeming qualities. Danny Leigh from the Financial Times claimed it was “less dislikeable than its forebear,” while RTE praised its “effortlessly claustrophobic” atmosphere.

Phoenix's Reflection

Interestingly, this installment is set to be the last for Phoenix's portrayal of the Joker. Reflecting on the physical demands of the role, Phoenix shared that this time around, his dramatic weight loss journey was “more complicated” due to the extensive dance rehearsals he had not encountered during the production of the first film. After losing 52 pounds for the initial Joker, he declined to provide specific details about his diet for Folie à Deux, only hinting that 'it felt a bit more complicated.'

Conclusion

Will Joker: Folie à Deux manage to shift the narrative and redeem itself amidst criticism, or are audiences left with a theatrical flop? As we await further insights, one thing is clear: the sequel has stirred up quite the conversation. Don’t miss the full spectacle of the film!