Joker: Folie à Deux
Movie, 2024, Joker, Set in 1983
Joker: Folie à Deux is #26 of 26 in release order and #15 of 26 in chronological order in the Batman.
The story
While struggling with his dual identity, Arthur Fleck not only stumbles upon true love, but also finds the music that's always been inside him.
Joker: Folie à Deux recap
In 1983, Arthur Fleck awaits trial in Arkham for his five murders. His lawyer, Maryanne Stewart, wants to argue that Joker is a separate personality created by his abuse. In a music therapy class Arthur meets Lee Quinzel, who says she is a fan, and the two fall into a romance played out through musical fantasies. Lee sets a fire so they can escape for a moment together. The case becomes a media spectacle; Arthur fires his lawyer, represents himself in full Joker makeup, and makes the court a stage. Witnesses include his old neighbor Sophie and his former coworker Gary, whom Arthur spared. After an inmate he befriended is killed by guards, Arthur drops the Joker act on the stand and admits there is no Joker, only him.
Joker: Folie à Deux ending explained
As the jury returns a guilty verdict, a car bomb blows open the courthouse, and Joker followers free Arthur. He finds Lee on the stairs, but she leaves him because he is no longer Joker. Arthur is caught and returned to Arkham, where a young inmate tells him a joke and stabs him repeatedly. Arthur dies, and behind him the inmate begins carving a smile into his own face.
Post-credits scenes
No. There is no post-credits scene.
Where to watch Joker: Folie à Deux
Joker: Folie à Deux is streaming on HBO Max in the US. You can rent or buy it on Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play.
Ratings
IMDb 5.2/10, Rotten Tomatoes 31%
Where it fits
- Release order: after The Penguin, the latest.
- Chronological order: after Joker, before The Batman.
What to watch before Joker: Folie à Deux
Joker (2019), which Joker: Folie à Deux (2024) continues.
Cast
- Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck
- Lady Gaga as Lee Quinzel
- Brendan Gleeson as Jackie Sullivan
- Catherine Keener as Maryanne Stewart
- Zazie Beetz as Sophie Dumond
- Steve Coogan as Paddy Meyers
- Harry Lawtey as Harvey Dent
- Leigh Gill as Gary Puddles
- Ken Leung as Dr. Victor Liu
- Jacob Lofland as Ricky Meline
- Bill Smitrovich as Judge Herman Rothwax
- Sharon Washington as Debra Kane
Directed by Todd Phillips.