Joaquin Phoenix returns to Joker: Folie à Deux, a sequel that explores the Arthur Fleck’s psychological downfall, focusing on the complexities of his Joker persona and introducing a twisted relationship with Harleen Quinzel (Lady Gaga).

Directed by Todd Phillips, Joker 2 mixes musical moments with deep emotion, creating a story where fantasy and reality blur.

The film’s unique storytelling, filled with dark humor, intense psychological conflict, and brutal revelations, cements it as a follow-up worthy of the original.

Arthur Fleck’s Dual Identity

Joker 2 opens with a Looney Tunes-inspired cartoon short titled “Me and My Shadow,” which sets the tone for the rest of the film.

In this short, Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) struggles with his alter ego—the Joker—symbolized by a shadow that takes over his performance on stage.

This animation symbolizes Arthur’s inner struggle and reminds us that he’s still battling to control his Joker side.

After the animated introduction, the movie transitions to the present, where Arthur is incarcerated in Arkham Asylum, following the murders he committed in the first film, including the live execution of TV host Murray Franklin.

Arkham is now Arthur’s home, and the monotony of his routine paints a grim picture of his life behind bars. The guards, led by Jackie Sullivan (Brendan Gleeson), taunt him daily in exchange for cigarettes.

This daily bullying, combined with the animosity from other inmates, keeps Arthur isolated.

However, one fellow inmate, Ricky Meline, idolizes Arthur, almost obsessively. Ricky’s fascination with Arthur’s Joker persona foreshadows later events and serves as a grim reminder that Arthur’s influence extends beyond his immediate reach.

Arthur’s Struggles in Arkham

Despite the hardships Arthur faces in Arkham, he behaves calmly, follows the prison rules, and tries to be a “model inmate.”

However, beneath this compliance, Arthur is still haunted by his actions and the Joker identity that he tries—but fails—to suppress.

His lawyer, Maryanne Stewart (Catherine Keener), plays a crucial role in the plot by pushing to prove that Arthur suffers from a split personality disorder.

Stewart believes that if she can convince the court that Arthur’s actions were driven by mental illness, she can secure a transfer to a psychiatric hospital instead of a high-security prison.

The legal proceedings hang heavily over Arthur throughout the film, creating an ever-present tension.

Stewart’s belief that Arthur’s split personality stems from his traumatic childhood gives the audience insight into how deeply Arthur’s past shaped his violent behavior.

The abuse and neglect Arthur suffered as a child continue to manifest in his Joker persona, with moments of intense psychological distress further blurring the line between Arthur and his violent alter ego.

Arthur’s journey is one of constant internal struggle, and this battle with his fractured mind is a major theme throughout Joker 2.

Arthur Meets Harleen Quinzel

Arthur’s world is turned upside down when he meets Harleen Quinzel, known as “Lee” in this version, played by Lady Gaga.

Harleen is a fellow inmate at Arkham, admitted after setting her parents’ apartment building on fire. The moment the two meet, there is an undeniable connection, rooted in their shared trauma.

Harleen confesses that she was inspired by Arthur’s public murder of Murray Franklin, admitting that it made her feel less alone.

This morbid connection strengthens their bond, and Arthur is drawn to Harleen in a way that he hasn’t been drawn to anyone before.

Harleen’s parents abused her, mirroring Arthur’s own experience with his mother. This shared history of abuse leads them to form an immediate and intense bond, with Harleen revealing her deep admiration for Arthur’s actions as Joker.

She tells Arthur that when she watched him kill Murray Franklin on live TV, she found solace in the chaos. This connection is critical to their relationship, as it sets the stage for Harleen’s manipulation of Arthur throughout the film.

Harleen’s Manipulation and Joker’s Musical Escapism

As Arthur and Harleen’s relationship deepens, it becomes clear that Harleen is not merely a victim of her circumstances but is far more cunning than Arthur initially realizes.

Unlike previous portrayals of Harley Quinn, where Joker is the manipulative figure, Joker 2 turns this dynamic on its head. Harleen quickly assumes control of their relationship, manipulating Arthur at every turn.

At one point, she persuades Arthur to stop taking his medication, claiming that the drugs suppress the “real” him—his Joker persona.

Arthur’s mental health worsens as he starts to fully accept his Joker identity. The film uses musical sequences to illustrate Arthur’s mental escape from reality, with Arthur frequently immersing himself in elaborate musical numbers.

In these moments, Arthur appears to find solace, expressing his emotions through songs like “Get Happy,” “For Once in My Life,” and “That’s Life.”

At one point, Arthur even imagines a fantasy sequence where he marries Harleen, reflecting his deep need for connection and validation.

Yet, as the film progresses, it becomes clear that Harleen’s influence over Arthur is pushing him toward darker, more dangerous territory.

The Joker’s Trial and Harvey Dent

The trial itself is the film’s main event, with Arthur facing the possibility of execution for his crimes. His opponent is Harvey Dent (Harry Lawtey), Gotham’s rising star in the legal world, and the district attorney determined to see Arthur pay for his actions.

Dent pushes for the death penalty, arguing that Arthur—now known as Joker—should be held accountable for the murders he committed, especially the chaos he unleashed on Gotham following the death of Murray Franklin.

The trial becomes a spectacle, drawing attention from all corners of Gotham. Arthur, now represented by Joker, becomes a symbol for many of Gotham’s disillusioned citizens, some of whom still see him as a hero.

These misguided supporters, who admire Joker for defying authority and causing chaos, stand by him. Their presence during the trial adds to the tense, chaotic atmosphere.

Several key characters from the first film return to testify against Arthur, painting him as a violent criminal.

These include Sophie Dumond (Zazie Beetz), the neighbor Arthur fantasized about having a relationship with, his co-worker Gary Puddles (Leigh Gill), who witnessed Arthur’s brutal murder of Randall, and Arthur’s former social worker (Sharon Washington), who tried—and failed—to help him before his breakdown.

Each of these characters contributes to the growing image of Arthur as a dangerous and unstable figure.

Harleen’s Lies and Arthur’s Downfall

Harleen remains a constant presence at the trial, supporting Arthur even as the evidence against him piles up.

However, the trust between Arthur and Harleen begins to resolve when Arthur learns a devastating truth that Harleen voluntarily checked herself into Arkham, and her parents are not abusive but wealthy.

This revelation shakes Arthur, who confronts Harleen about her deception. In response, Harleen manipulates him further, claiming that she only lied because she wanted him to like her.

In a desperate attempt to maintain control over Arthur, Harleen tells him that she is pregnant. This lie, however, marks a turning point in their relationship, as Arthur begins to question everything he thought he knew about Harleen.

His lawyer, Maryanne Stewart, had previously warned Arthur about Harleen’s potential betrayal, and now those warnings begin to resonate.

Harleen’s manipulation of Arthur ultimately leads him to embrace his Joker persona more fully, dismissing his lawyer and choosing to represent himself in court.

During the trial, Arthur, as Joker, makes a closing statement in which he confesses that his Joker persona was not responsible for the murders.

Instead, he claims that it was solely him—Arthur Fleck—who committed the crimes. This moment of raw honesty shatters Harleen’s illusions about Arthur, and she walks out of the courtroom, leaving him to face the consequences of his actions alone.

The Ending

Arthur is helped by two of his fanatical supporters to escape. However, after they manage to flee the courthouse, Arthur separates from his would-be rescuers and goes in search of Harleen, hoping to rekindle their relationship and escape Gotham together.

When Arthur finds Harleen, he pleads with her to run away with him and start a new life. However, Harleen coldly rejects him, delivering the crushing line, “All we had was the fantasy.”

This brutal rejection leaves Arthur shattered, as he realizes that the connection he thought they shared was nothing more than a lie.

Harleen’s manipulation and her ultimate dismissal of Arthur as nothing more than a means to an end leave him emotionally devastated.

While Arthur thinks about the wreckage of his life, Ricky, the inmate who idolized him, attacks him. Ricky, representing the darker side of the Joker’s legacy, repeatedly stabs Arthur while laughing in a creepy way.

The Aftermath of Violence

In the final moments of Joker: Folie à Deux, Arthur is left bleeding and alone in the dimly lit corridors of Arkham Asylum, embodying the tragic consequences of his choices and the violence that his persona has wrought.

His death at the hands of someone who idolized him signifies the ultimate betrayal of his legacy.

Arthur Fleck, once a man seeking connection and understanding, is reduced to a mere shadow of his former self—an emblem of chaos that has spiraled out of control.

The courthouse explosion creates chaos in Gotham. News reports fill the air, describing the destruction caused by Arthur’s last actions.

The film’s depiction of Gotham as a city teetering on the edge of anarchy reflects the broader societal issues present in the narrative—alienation, mental illness, and the consequences of unchecked violence.

Arthur’s actions have incited further unrest among his supporters, who view him as a martyr rather than a murderer.

Even in death, Arthur’s influence remains palpable in Gotham. The film ends on an ambiguous note, leaving viewers to ponder the future of the city and the potential for other individuals to take up the Joker mantle.

When the credits roll, the audience thinks about how violence and chaos continue in Gotham. The idea that Arthur’s legacy could inspire a new generation of followers adds a scary twist to the film, showing that even after his death, the Joker persona is still very much alive.

Throughout Joker: Folie à Deux, Todd Phillips explores themes of identity, mental illness, and the complex dynamics of manipulation and love.

The film poses critical questions about morality and the nature of evil, encouraging viewers to grapple with the thin line between hero and villain.

Arthur’s transformation into the Joker is not just a personal downfall but a societal reflection of the madness that can emerge from trauma and neglect.

Musical and Cinematic Techniques

The film’s musical elements play a significant role in conveying Arthur’s emotional state and his descent into madness. The incorporation of musical numbers—often juxtaposed against scenes of violence and chaos—creates a jarring contrast that emphasizes Arthur’s internal struggles.

The songs chosen for these sequences serve not only as a form of escapism for Arthur but also as a commentary on the absurdity of his reality.

The use of music as a story device is reminiscent of classic Hollywood musicals, yet the dark themes explored in the lyrics serve to highlight the tragic aspects of Arthur’s life.

Cinematically, Joker: Folie à Deux employs a distinct visual style that enhances its storytelling. The stark contrasts between light and shadow reflect Arthur’s turbulent psyche, while the claustrophobic settings of Arkham Asylum amplify his feelings of entrapment and despair.

The cinematography captures the gritty realism of Gotham, presenting a city that is as much a character in the story as Arthur himself.

The film’s use of vibrant colors during musical sequences stands in stark contrast to the drab, muted tones of Arthur’s everyday life, symbolizing his fleeting moments of joy amidst overwhelming darkness.

Final Reflections on Joker’s Identity

Ultimately, Joker: Folie à Deux serves as a profound exploration of identity and the duality of human nature. Arthur Fleck’s journey from a struggling comedian to the chaotic figure of the Joker raises critical questions about the role of society in shaping individuals and the consequences of neglecting mental health.

With Arthur’s world falling apart, the audience must think about what his actions mean and how they affect the people around him.

The film’s conclusion, with Arthur’s death and the potential for others to take up his mantle, suggests that the cycle of violence and chaos may never truly end.

The Joker may be seen as a monster, but he is also a product of a society that failed to understand him.

This nuanced portrayal invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of human behavior and the societal structures that contribute to the emergence of figures like the Joker.