The sequel to the Oscar-winning Joker, Joker: Folie à Deux, has taken a dramatic turn from awards darling to critical punching bag, a stark contrast to its predecessor’s Academy Award success. While the original Joker garnered eleven Oscar nominations and two wins, including Best Actor for Joaquin Phoenix, the sequel, Folie à Deux, has been conspicuously absent from the 2025 Oscar race. Instead, it has become a prominent contender for the Golden Raspberry Awards, commonly known as the Razzies, which recognize the worst cinematic achievements of the year. The film’s seven Razzie nominations include nods for Worst Actor (Phoenix) and Worst Actress (Lady Gaga), a surprising turn of events considering the anticipation surrounding Gaga’s casting and the previous film’s accolades.
The sharp decline in critical reception is readily apparent in the film’s Rotten Tomatoes score. A mere 31% rating from both critics and audiences represents a significant drop from the original Joker‘s 68% critical score and 88% audience approval. This dramatic shift signifies a widespread dissatisfaction with the sequel, pointing to potential missteps in its narrative, execution, or overall appeal. The stark difference in reception between the two films raises questions about the creative choices made in Folie à Deux and whether it effectively capitalized on the strengths of the original.
Lady Gaga, despite her Razzie nomination, has responded to the negative criticism with a seasoned artist’s pragmatism. Acknowledging that not everything resonates with everyone, she emphasizes the importance of artistic resilience, proclaiming that an artist must be prepared for both acclaim and rejection. This perspective highlights her understanding of the subjective nature of art and her commitment to creative expression, regardless of critical or commercial success. Her statement underscores a mature approach to navigating the unpredictable landscape of artistic endeavors.
The critical response to Joker: Folie à Deux has been overwhelmingly negative, with prominent reviewers using words like "dull," "pointless," "messy," "lifeless," and "derivative" to describe the film. Richard Lawson of Vanity Fair dismissed the film as "startlingly dull" and "a pointless procedural," setting the tone for a wave of similar criticisms. Nicholas Barber of BBC.com found the film lacking in entertainment value, stating it was "not much fun." Kevin Maher of The Times (UK) went further, labeling it "messy, lifeless, derivative and exactly what you’d expect from a film that simply doesn’t want, or need, to exist." This harsh assessment suggests a fundamental flaw in the film’s conception, questioning its very raison d’être.
The collective critical consensus paints a picture of a sequel that failed to live up to the expectations set by its predecessor, potentially suffering from a lack of originality, a convoluted narrative, or a failure to capture the same captivating energy of the original. The film’s journey from anticipated award contender to Razzie nominee underscores the volatile nature of the film industry and the unpredictable reception that even highly anticipated sequels can face. The critical mauling of Joker: Folie à Deux serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges of replicating the success of a critically acclaimed and commercially successful film.
Looking ahead, Lady Gaga’s next acting venture involves a cameo appearance in the second season of the popular Netflix series Wednesday. This move, following the critical disappointment of Joker: Folie à Deux, suggests a strategic shift towards a less demanding role, potentially allowing her to regroup and reassess her future acting endeavors. The cameo in Wednesday offers a lower-stakes opportunity to engage with a different genre and audience, providing a potential platform for future projects. While the extent of her involvement in the series remains unclear, it signals a willingness to explore diverse roles and potentially rebuild momentum after the Joker sequel’s critical setback.
