Starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, the film has seen its rating on Rotten Tomatoes plummet to 39%, placing it among the lowest-rated DC Comics films. Some outraged fans even took to social media to vent their frustration, with one calling the film "a BAD JOKE on fans".
Despite the criticism, an increasing number of viewers who caught early screenings are stepping up to defend the sequel to the Oscar-nominated 'Joker' (2019). They argue that the negative response misses the film's deeper message, urging others not to "jump on the empty hate train." One fan suggested that 'Folie a Deux' is "more complex than just the first watch," emphasizing that the film's layers might take time to resonate.
Critics had predicted that the movie was "designed to create a divide" among audiences, and the recent backlash seems to confirm that assessment. However, supporters of the film argue that this divisiveness is intentional, with one fan tweeting, "#JokerFolieADeux is a sequel that will leave you empty. Because you, like the blood-thirsty society, wanted explosions, fire, passion... But you got what you deserved: another truth — that no one cared about good people, everyone only cared about the entertainment."
Another fan praised the film for making a powerful statement, arguing that its negative reception reflects the very message the movie conveys. "#JokerFolieADeux was made to make a statement: people love sensationalism and don’t really care about mental illness. That’s what this movie is about, and it’s a powerful message."
#JokerFolieADeux is a sequel that will leave you empty. Because you, like the blood-thirsty society, wanted explosions, fire, passion... But you got what you deserved: another truth - that no one cared about good people, everyone only cared about the entertainment. pic.twitter.com/xK7EFOTpEv
— Fera | Comemix (@CJ_Fera) October 3, 2024
After watching Joker #JokerFolieADeux
— P.Scavenger (@punkscavenger) October 3, 2024
I can say that this is exactly what Todd & the cast wanted
An outrage over the movie, because it completely destroys the fantasy that the first movie creates
Joker is no Alpha male hero, he is just a man struggling to find his way in life. pic.twitter.com/JIp5ZVF6TI
#JokerFolieADeux was made to make a statement: people love sensationalism, and don’t really care about mental illness.
— El Viejo Amargo (@viejoamargo_) October 3, 2024
That’s what is this movie about. That’s what it has to say, and it’s a powerful message. The general public reception describes it PERFECTLY #Joker2 #Joker pic.twitter.com/vgWGBPVXdr
Arthur was mentally ill. Noone saw him for who he was. That's the whole point. And y'all are mad bc u still don't see him for who he was. Like Lee, ur love is conditional. He didn't have the glow up y'all wanted, so u discarded him like trash. #JokerFolieADeux pic.twitter.com/SMjkDUzQAT
— Sike ツ (@m_r_llyb_nkr_pt) October 4, 2024
The last scene in #JokerFolieADeux summed up the grating nature of random songs playing awkwardly in scenes because it was meant to be uncomfortable. We are watching two people completely lose it. And it’s not real. I think Todd ate with that. Those who get it, get it.
— Kartik (@kxr_tik) October 3, 2024
#JokerFolieADeux is headlined by two COMPELLING performances from Joaquin Phoenix & Lady Gaga. They felt like classic Joker and Harley Quinn during the musical numbers. The ending BETRAYS both films. Todd Phillips played a BAD JOKE on fans & got away w/his comic book movie check pic.twitter.com/NNo4IrULuk
— BLURAYANGEL 🦇 (@blurayangel) October 4, 2024
Supporters also highlighted the film's exploration of Arthur Fleck's (Phoenix) continued struggle with mental illness. "After watching 'Joker: Folie a Deux', I can say this is exactly what Todd and the cast wanted," wrote one fan. "An outrage over the movie, because it completely destroys the fantasy that the first movie creates. Joker is no alpha male hero; he is just a man struggling to find his way in life."
Others acknowledged the film's discomforting moments as part of its brilliance. One viewer explained, "The last scene summed up the grating nature of random songs playing awkwardly in scenes because it was meant to be uncomfortable. We are watching two people completely lose it. And it’s not real. I think Todd ate with that. Those who get it, get it."
#JokerFolieADeux for me is the dissection and exploration of ‘What is the Joker?’ And ‘What does he stand for?’
— MoviesThatMaher (@MoviesThatMaher) October 4, 2024
While the first has more pleasing scenes to watch and rewatch #Joker2 offers more food for thought, it’s definitely one that’s gonna sit with you for a few days. pic.twitter.com/5iA3M2tVAC
Somewhat conflicted on #JokerFolieADeux. The performances are excellent, the musical numbers and score sound incredible, and the visuals are outstanding. There are some interesting themes here and it is a very unique and complex film. pic.twitter.com/OHdAw065tZ
— Douglas McDonald (@Kobesowner) October 4, 2024
#JokerFolieADeux is a marvel to behold. Todd Philips has done it again. #Joker2 is ambitious, gripping, and unrelenting. Phoenix and Gaga shine. Loved the portrayal of Arkham and The Dark Knight Returns inspirations. One of my favorite films of the year. This Joker fan is happy. pic.twitter.com/y1hFBWoxtg
— Kyle Arking 🟧(he/him) (@ArkingKyle) October 3, 2024
went to see #JokerFolieADeux for a 2nd time today!
— ★ (@henrydelrey) October 4, 2024
honestly it gets better with every view. i had now analyzed every aspect of this movie and it’s just fantastic. the cinematography is just beautiful.
do not jump on the empty hate train & watch this, it’s SO worth it 🤍 pic.twitter.com/rQhvLRBCmR
The musical aspects of #JokerFolieADeux, while cool in theory & decently realized in practice, can't elevate a woefully basic plot. Joaquin Phoenix is consistent at least, & Lady Gaga does her best with what little she's given (which is mostly singing). So ultimately, it's fine. pic.twitter.com/kV8qDSKmS4
— Year In Cinema (@yearincinema) October 4, 2024
While 'Joker2 ' may not be universally beloved, one thing most can agree on is the film's stunning visual execution, with cinematographer Lawrence Sher's work receiving widespread praise. "Whether you love or hate #JokerFolieADeux, the cinematography is absolutely beguiling & beautiful," one fan tweeted.
Whether you love or hate #JokerFolieADeux , I think we can agree that cinematographer Lawrence Sher’s work in it is absolutely beguiling & beautiful. He’s a superstar, whether he’s lighting a courtroom, a prison yard, or a neon lit rooftop. pic.twitter.com/s1jBVI4yb4
— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) October 2, 2024
One thing I can definitely give praise to in JOKER: FOLIE À DEUX: it is visually a gorgeous movie. Spectacular to look at quite often. #JokerFolieADeux pic.twitter.com/PdwEhtGcqR
— Shaurya Chawla (@_ShauryaChawla) October 3, 2024
'Joker 2' continues the story of Arthur Fleck, played by Joaquin Phoenix, a mentally ill man who transforms into the infamous Batman villain, Joker. Lady Gaga joins the cast as Harley Quinn, the Joker's iconic partner in crime. The film blends psychological drama with musical elements, taking a unique approach compared to the original film. Set in a gritty, fictional Gotham City, 'Folie a Deux' explores the complex and often disturbing relationship between the Joker and Harley, while continuing the themes of mental illness, societal breakdown, and violent rebellion established in the first film.
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