Ever since “Joker: Folie à Deux” was announced to be released on Oct. 4, fans of the last movie were thrilled to discover a more in depth view of the classic character through the sequel. Some people were amazed at the acting and musical numbers the film had to offer while others found it confusing.

“Joker: Folie à Deux” follows the continuing journey of Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix), or in the world of Gotham, Joker. He begins in a prison filled with prisoners and guards alike who don’t understand him as he awaits his trial between life and death.

In the prison, he meets Lee Quinzel (Lady Gaga), a woman who’s captivating voice and like mindset draws him in. They go through the trial together, Lee’s influence making Arthur into a completely different person, and fantasy and reality mix when he’s thinking of her.

Not many people expected the movie to be a musical when they announced a “Joker” sequel, and some people don’t think it makes sense, but the addition of the musical numbers was genius. The various fantasies Arthur has through these musical numbers really take the plot forward and make his insanity, his delusion, seem even more real.

The acting performances from Phoenix and Gaga are stunning. Phoenix is able to capture the character of The Joker so realistically. When he acts, it’s as if he truly becomes The Joker. His character is so believable, so real, that it makes people care about the previously heartless person.

Gaga’s execution of a new version of Harley Quinn is exceptional. She genuinely becomes the part just as Phoenix does. The emotion conveyed in her singing voice and her mannerisms is manipulative in a very innocent way. By the end of the film, people don’t know what to think of her.

The portrayal of mental illness and how people deal with it in the film is heartbreakingly real. The way Arthur deals with his trauma by diving into these insane, violent fantasies combined with the way that society continues to dismiss his feelings despite the true pain he’s in is unfortunately true in some people’s cases. 

Even though some people think the sequel was a letdown, the undeniable acting skills, the perfectly executed musical numbers and the heartbreaking story prove otherwise. 

5/5 stars.