So, here’s the scoop: Arthur Fleck is stuck in jail ’cause he’s been charged with five murders (though he actually did six—the cops just don’t know about that extra one yet). One of those murders? Yeah, it happened right on TV.

In the slammer, Arthur isn’t having the best time with guards who enjoy picking on him. But one day, a guard lets jokes slide into reality by letting him join an inmate choir. That’s where Arthur meets Lee and bam—he’s instantly smitten. He starts thinking she might actually see him for who he wishes to be. But he’s left wondering—does Lee like Arthur himself or does her interest stop at Joker?

Now, Todd Phillips—you know he brought us that first massive “Joker” hit? Well, this time around he’s not trying for a repeat; instead, he tosses in loads of pop culture nods to keep things interesting—even if they’re kinda cliché ’cause that’s what catches everyone’s eye these days when folks are more into putting on acts than staying real.

Oh! And how wild is it that Lady Gaga (yeah, Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta) steps in as Lee/Harley Queen? I mean, that was undoubtedly Phillip’s smartest move here if you ask me.
So yeah, Joker: Folie à Deux flips the script big time. Picture this: Lee mostly speaks through lyrics from famous songs—it’s like she’s living in a Broadway show or something!
here’s kind of like us—rolling our eyes when people randomly burst into song in musicals.

The film has a good laugh at those super cheerful musical vibes. You know, that “let’s just be happy” idea? And it’s mixed with Arthur’s weird laugh that’s more unsettling than joyful. His mom strangely nicknamed him Happy, which fits with this life’s absurdity theme.

The movie also digs into real-world happenings—like the anonymous movements, the pandemic madness, George Floyd protests, and the Capitol Hill chaos—not exactly what you’d call light viewing. It throws in some pop culture too, referencing classics like One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and famous duos like Sonny and Cher. Even Fred Astaire’s The Band Wagon makes a cameo!

It’s a bit of a whirlwind—it tosses all sorts of comforting music into satirical bites, questioning life’s craziness and whether true love is even real. Let’s admit it—we’ve all wished our social media pals could envy our “perfect” lives now and then! Expect a movie that juggles everything at once, flipping traditional storytelling on its head.

Todd Phillips directs by mixing all sorts of things together—imagine bits of musical vibes mixed with some intense prison drama stuff, plus quirky animation that explores how everyone has a darker side they can’t always control. There’s even this surprisingly sweet bit about someone planning a funeral for their pet dog.

Then you’ve got Arthur struggling with his lawyer wanting him to split his identity—kinda like how today’s world sometimes makes it feel safer to play a part rather than just be yourself. But Arthur? He dives right into life’s chaos without holding back at all. He shows off super raw vulnerability while everyone else is busy hiding behind personas (including those Joker masks). Joaquin really knows how to pull on those heartstrings the whole way through.

“Anche Quando Ride, Anche Quando Balla” offers up a different take on the Joker story altogether!
If you were into the first Joker movie, you’re gonna dig this one too, but there’s still a bunch of new stuff to enjoy. Joaquin Phoenix is back at it and just crushes it with the way he captures Joker’s wild, almost teasing vibe.

So Todd Phillips, the director, really goes deeper this time. It’s like he’s unraveling what makes Joker tick—kind of like how Tony Stark opened up as Iron Man, but in his own crazy way. It’s saying “Joker’s not all there,” yet it feels super big and epic somehow. And that “That’s All Folks” at the end? It’s a cheeky little wink to the film studio.