Critics Hated This Thriller Sequel—Here's Why They're Wrong (& Why That Wild Twist Ending Is Great)

Plus, Lady Gaga was incredible

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Published Oct 8, 2024

KENA BETANCUR/AFP via Getty Images

Alright, critics, we get it. You hated the Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga Joker sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux. Review after review has been what Gaga herself might call "sour candy." The "tomato meter" on Rotten Tomatoes stands at a lousy 33 percent. And all of the box office headlines are focusing on how the film is a bomb, because it "only" made $40 million dollars in its first weekend, whereas the original made $96.2 million in the same time period.

And I won't lie, this sequel is not the same as 2019's Joker. The pace is slower. There are fantastical musical sequences. Phoenix's Arthur Fleck has a new love interest (one that's actually real and not a figment of his imagination like last time). But I'm here to say what I'm sure will invite plenty of "you're out of your mind" emails: Joker: Folie à Deux isn't that bad—in fact, it's pretty good. It's certainly worth seeing, and here are three reasons why, one of which involves that twist ending (stop reading after reason number two below if you don't want to know what the twist is).

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1. Lady Gaga Is Sensational (and Understated)

When I think of Gaga, of whom I'm a huge fan, I certainly don't think understated. I think wild outfits (*cough* meat dress *cough*). I think giant production numbers. I think reinventing herself. I even think of her over-the-top yet oh-so-perfect portrayal of Patrizia Reggiani in House of Gucci.

Here, she expands upon the subtlety and nuance she brought to A Star Is Born with her portrayal of Lee Quinzel (more commonly known as Harley Quinn). As I watched her layered performance opposite the incredible Phoenix (who, you'll remember, won an Oscar for this role in the original), I could hardly recognize the Gaga I've come to know and love. And that's not because of any kind of Batman villain makeup. Even the makeup she dons is subtle in comparison to Phoenix's. It's the way she peels back the layers of her character throughout the film that is wildly compelling.

Plus, as I mentioned, we do get musical numbers in this film, giving her a chance to truly shine, both solo and with her co-star. We get raw musical moments and, in fantasy sequences, more Gaga-like moments, including one fabulous number where she shows off her piano skills.

In short, despite all the negative press around the sequel, Gaga's performance is reason enough to give it a view. Honestly, had the film been better received, I think we'd be talking about it finally being her acting Oscar year.

2. The Film Is a Fascinating Character Study

What I love about the original film, in addition to Phoenix's haunting performance, is that it is a true character study of Arthur Fleck. We get to watch him go from awkward loner to murderous clown over the course of the movie—and it's a journey that we understand. Pieces of his character's puzzle are slowly unveiled and lead to a fleshed out "villain" that we can simultaneously root for and sympathize with, despite his horrific actions.

Now, in the sequel, the character study continues (albeit at a much slower pace). Because he's been removed from his traumatic home life and from the outside world where he was bullied and tormented by others, we have the opportunity to see Fleck's true inner self come to light. This plays out throughout his time in prison, but most notably in the courtroom as his murder trial proceeds.

During the trial, his Joker persona becomes all the more clear, particularly during a scene where he, in full makeup, questions a witness. The questioning plays out like a performance, which makes his closing argument to the jury that much more powerful in contrast. By the end of the film, I felt like I understood Fleck—and realized I misunderstood Fleck—in a much deeper way than after the first movie.

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3. That Twist Ending Is All I Can Think About

*Warning: Major Spoilers Ahead*

As I mentioned, you definitely shouldn't read on if you don't want to hear about the film's unexpected twist ending. But for those who know what I'm talking about...

You guys! That ending is an unbelievable moment of cinema. Playing out in a blurred background, we finally find out that Fleck is not the Joker after all...he is simply the inspiration for a man who will truly embody and become the Joker in some future, never-to-be-released sequel.

In the final moments, Fleck is stabbed and killed by a fellow inmate who then goes on to have a laughing fit (a la the Joker) as Fleck dies on the floor. Said inmate then uses his weapon to carve a smile into his own face in an out-of-focus shot that confirms what we learned during Fleck's heartfelt closing argument confession: Fleck isn't the Joker. The Joker was pretend to him. He is just Arthur.

So anyone who might find Fleck's courtroom confession disappointing (like Gaga's character Lee) because it means the Batman villain was never really a villain, then gets the surprise of learning there is such a villain, it was just never Fleck.

The ending feels shocking and satisfying at the same time. It puts a button on Fleck's story and makes his character arc (one we assumed was something it turned out not to be) complete.

All of this to say, this film really is worth the watch, no matter what the critics say.

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Philip Mutz

VP, News and Entertainment

Oversees news and entertainment content
Is an award-winning playwright and has hosted two entertainment podcasts
Has 10+ years experience in entertainment coverage and viral media

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