The long-anticipated sequel to Todd Phillips’ groundbreaking 2019 film Joker finally hit theaters—and it brought with it not only massive audience anticipation but also a significant impact on the box office. Joker: Folie à Deux, a musical psychological thriller, once again stars Academy Award winner Joaquin Phoenix, now joined by global pop icon and actress Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn. This unique casting and bold genre blend helped fuel its early success at the US box office, leading to strong discussions around both artistic merit and financial performance.
The film grossed $207.5 million worldwide, with a substantial contribution coming from the US domestic market. These numbers, while slightly underwhelming compared to the original Joker (which grossed over $1 billion globally), reflect a complex narrative and tonal shift that split both critics and audiences. According to Box Office Mojo, the domestic opening reached approximately $58.3 million, with an additional $149.2 million from international markets.
What Makes Joker: Folie à Deux So Popular?
Despite the mixed reviews from critics, the film’s popularity is anchored in several strategic decisions and creative risks that resonated particularly well with viewers who admired the psychological depth of the first installment.
Joaquin Phoenix’s Return
Phoenix, who won an Oscar for his performance as Arthur Fleck in the original, brings a deeper, more fractured portrayal this time. His psychological descent continues in Folie à Deux, but the addition of musical elements allows Phoenix to express Fleck’s internal chaos in a more stylized, emotionally volatile manner. The performance has been praised across the board for its intensity and raw vulnerability. As noted by IndieWire, many critics called Phoenix’s work “unapologetically haunting.”
Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn
Lady Gaga’s performance as Harley Quinn—here presented not just as a romantic partner but as a co-conspirator in madness—has surprised many. Her transition from pop stardom to serious dramatic acting continues here, bringing both a vocal and emotional complexity to the role. As People Magazine reports, Gaga’s method acting and psychological deep-dive into Harley Quinn allowed her to craft a distinct version of the character, separate from the DC cinematic portrayals of the past.
A Musical Psychological Thriller: Risk or Reward?
Perhaps the most debated element of Folie à Deux is its genre: a musical psychological thriller. The concept confused audiences during early production leaks, with some fearing the film would dilute the gritty realism that defined the original. However, the final product uses music as a narrative and emotional tool, enhancing the characters’ descent into shared delusion.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the musical sequences are not traditional “song-and-dance” numbers but surreal, dream-like experiences reflecting Fleck and Quinn’s psychosis. This approach, while divisive, has also been praised for being bold and original, especially in a genre often accused of playing it safe.
Critical Reception and Audience Reaction
The film split critics down the middle. Some praised it as a brilliant, genre-defying masterpiece, while others found it overly indulgent. Fans, however, largely celebrated the performances and style.
One of the most compelling endorsements came from legendary filmmaker Quentin Tarantino, who publicly stated:
“I really, really liked it, really. A lot. Like, tremendously… Joaquin Phoenix gave one of the best performances I’ve ever seen in my life.”
(The Guardian)
On the other hand, some critics, like Glenn Kenny of RogerEbert.com, argued the film lacked narrative cohesion:
“The movie is narratively, psychologically, and aesthetically incoherent… But it’s still virtuosity, for whatever it’s worth.”
(Pitchfork)
Despite such criticism, Folie à Deux holds a 74% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, showing that fans appreciated the performances and the ambitious storytelling, even if critics were more hesitant.
Themes & Social Commentary
Much like its predecessor, Folie à Deux isn’t just about spectacle. It continues to explore themes of mental illness, systemic neglect, delusion, and identity. By presenting these heavy topics through a musical format, the film comments on how society often glamorizes or dismisses psychological trauma.
The concept of “folie à deux” itself—defined as a shared psychotic disorder—is central to understanding the bond between Fleck and Harley. Their relationship is more than just toxic; it is a co-dependent fantasy built to shield them from a world that has consistently failed them both. According to Psychology Today, this rare condition illustrates how delusion can become contagious, especially in emotionally intense partnerships.
Box Office vs. Legacy
While the $207.5 million box office figure might seem modest in today’s superhero-driven landscape, Joker: Folie à Deux is not aiming to be a blockbuster in the traditional sense. It follows the footsteps of A24-style arthouse films with psychological gravitas, rather than pure commercial appeal.
As Forbes pointed out in its review of the box office trends, the film performed well given its R-rating, mature themes, and genre risks. Its legacy may not be measured in billions—but in how it challenges what comic book films are capable of.
Final Thoughts
Joker: Folie à Deux is not your typical sequel, nor does it try to be. It’s emotionally ambitious, stylistically unorthodox, and dramatically intense. The film builds on the first film’s success but carves out a space for itself by embracing risk and pushing genre boundaries.
With Phoenix and Gaga delivering career-defining performances and Todd Phillips steering the film into experimental territory, Folie à Deux may end up as one of the most discussed films of the decade—not just for what it did at the box office, but for how it made audiences feel.
Whether you walk out of the theater in awe or confusion, one thing is certain: the film will stay with you.
Stay Updated with the Latest Trends and Stories from Cobble Hill Blog! Explore engaging articles, local insights, and community happenings that make Cobble Hill unique. Don’t miss out—subscribe today and get fresh updates delivered directly to your inbox. Join our growing community and stay informed on everything Cobble Hill!
