By Jolo Flores

I thought this movie was going to be another tragedy. But after I watched it, I found it to be a comedy.

‘Folie à Deux’ leaped into new territory, blending psychological drama with musical elements into the movie. As a sequel to the wildly successful ‘Joker,’ it builds upon the haunting portrayal of Arthur Fleck’s descent into madness.

Joaquin Phoenix still delivered an outstanding performance as the film’s deeply disturbed protagonist. Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn brought an electrifying presence, but her role felt more underdeveloped than Arthur’sas if the character needs more depth, even when it comes to her transition as Joker’s opposite.

The scenes in the movie were visually striking, especially when it came to their musical moments. However, the tonal shift from gritty realism to musical spectacle sometimes felt a little jarring. Though I understood it was all going on in Arthur’s head, the musical elements might risk alienating the audience, who expected the same raw intensity as the original.

The pacing of the movie is a challenge. The film explored the characters’ internal struggles, but at points, it lingered too long on specific sequences, slowing down the narrative momentum. Additionally, the story felt somewhat repetitive, echoing themes of mental illness and societal neglect that were more sharply executed in the first film.

Nevertheless, ‘Folie à Deux’ was a daring experiment that doesn’t always land its risks. While it showcases outstanding performances and visually imaginative sequences, it struggles to strike a cohesive tone. And though I appreciate the efforts of Director Todd Phillips and the rest of the cast and crew, this movie somewhat became a “joke”.

Fans of the first film may find it either a refreshing departure or a step too far from what made ‘Joker’ so powerful.

With that being said, I’m going to give this movie 4/10.