Directed by Todd Phillips and co-written with Scott Silver, Joker: Folie à Deux continues the worldwide success of Joker (2019), which won the Golden Lion at Venice and secured two Academy Awards. Released in theaters on October 2, 2024, this highly anticipated sequel features Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga in a psychological drama with musical overtones. The film will be added to the HBO Max library starting March 4, 2026.
Just days before his trial for the crimes he committed while embodying the Joker, Arthur Fleck is detained at Arkham Asylum. Fragile and isolated, he meets Harleen Quinzel, a patient captivated by his personality and chaotic presence. Their relationship develops amidst obsession and mutual dependence, with the line between fantasy and reality gradually blurring.
The story delves into the concept of a "shared madness," a psychiatric idea developed in the 19th century by Charles Lasègue and Jules Falret, referring to a shared delusion. Blending dark romance, violent impulses, and musical escapes, the film questions Arthur’s identity: is he a broken man, a mythologized figure, or a projection of collective imagination? Without revealing any major plot points, the narrative weaves together courtroom drama and personal unraveling.
Facing its world premiere in the competition at the Venice Film Festival 2024, this second installment is part of the “DC Elseworlds” series—a label that allows Warner Bros. to explore alternative versions of its iconic characters alongside the new DC universe launched in 2023. With an estimated budget of $150 million (more than twice that of the first film), the project boasts impressive 360-degree sets, including elaborate locations like Arkham Asylum and the courthouse, designed to create seamless scenes infused with music and dynamic movement.
The musical approach marks a significant evolution in this sequel. Throughout the film, fifteen songs punctuate the story, and Todd Phillips opted to shoot several musical sequences live to maintain emotional intensity. Lady Gaga, portraying Harleen Quinzel – who will become Harley Quinn – immersed herself in her role using Method acting, while Joaquin Phoenix once again transformed his physique to embody the physicality of the character. The animated opening sequence, crafted by French filmmaker Sylvain Chomet, immediately establishes a connection between classic animation and contemporary tragedy.
On a thematic level, the work extends the thread of psychological drama from the first installment, while embracing a more operatic scope. Fans of stories exploring mental unraveling—similar to Black Swan—will appreciate the stylized dive into the psyche. However, the blend of romance, violence, and musical elements may surprise viewers expecting a more traditional superhero film approach.
Joker: Folie à Deux
Film | 2024
Release in theaters: October 2, 2024
Available on HBO Max from March 4, 2026
Drama, romance, musical | Duration: 2h19
Directed by Todd Phillips | Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson
Original title: Joker: Folie à Deux
Country: United States
By expanding its aesthetic and narrative scope, Joker: Folie à Deux affirms its unique approach to reinterpreting the myth. Blending elements of psychological study, musical performance, and exploring themes of duality, the film positions itself as a director’s personal vision within the comic book universe, while remaining separate from the main DC continuity.
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