Joker 2 Sparks Mixed Reviews Following Venice Film Festival Debut

According to SAEDNEWS, The highly anticipated sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux, made its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival on September 4, showcasing the talents of Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga. Directed by Todd Phillips, this film follows the critically acclaimed Joker from 2019, which earned Phoenix an Oscar for Best Actor. Unlike its predecessor, Folie à Deux introduces a musical element with Gaga portraying Harley Quinn.

As the reviews come in, the film currently holds a 60% “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 43 reviews. While many critics appreciate the innovative mix of genres, others have voiced substantial criticism.

Positive reviews highlight the film's unique approach. John Nugent from Empire Magazine describes it as “as sweet and beguiling a musical romance as it’s possible to have between two murderous psychopaths.” He acknowledges that its quirky style may not resonate with all comic-book fans, but appreciates its “strange, tragic hopefulness.” Similarly, David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter praises Gaga’s performance as “a compelling live-wire presence,” and commends the vitality of the musical numbers, saying they bring life to the otherwise “dour” film.

However, not all reviews are favorable. Critics like Richard Lawson from Vanity Fair find the film “startlingly dull,” describing it as a “pointless procedural that seems to disdain its audience.” Nicholas Barber from the BBC offers a similarly harsh critique, calling the film “irritatingly smug.” The most scathing review comes from David Ehrlich of IndieWire, who labels the film as “boring” and a “criminal waste of Lady Gaga,” arguing that it fails to engage or entertain.

Joker: Folie à Deux explores the story of Arthur Fleck, now institutionalized at Arkham, as he navigates his dual identity and discovers love and music amidst his turmoil.

With its official release in North American theaters set for October 4, audiences will soon have the opportunity to see for themselves how this ambitious blend of crime drama and musical plays out. The Venice International Film Festival continues until Saturday, showcasing a range of films, including the premiere of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. As reactions to Folie à Deux unfold, it remains to be seen how this film will be remembered in the evolving landscape of cinema.