⚠️Warning: Some spoilers ahead⚠️

As if my general thoughts about life had needed further provoking, Todd Phillips’ Joker: Folie à Deux just validated them even more. I never thought I’d go full-blown philosophical with this take, but that’s where this is headed. I’ll leave other angles to those with more expertise than me.

Let’s just put it this way: no matter what lens you put on to dissect it, the new musical psychological thriller isn’t “bad” as a standalone film (and sequel to the supposedly standalone Joker film of 2019).

There’s so much to unpack regarding how the film dives again into the complexities of human emotions and mental illness. That’s still through the titular protagonist Joker, or Arthur Fleck, of course. Not only that, this movie makes you rethink your reality and life in general. And I’m focusing on these aspects, if I haven’t been clear yet.

For the most part, Joker: Folie à Deux is relatable again. Fleck’s experiences growing up contributed in shaping who he became. The whole nature-nurture thing can be a good thing. But it can also be the exact opposite — like what happened to Fleck, which was highlighted further in Joker: Folie à Deux.

To backtrack a bit, one need not be an expert to logically see why Joker did what he did. Fleck’s unfortunate backstory led to his current state, as well as the brutal actions he had done as result of triggers that might have flashed his trauma in front of him.

Beautifully set up

And three-fourths through Joker: Folie à Deux, we were convinced that he did suffer from dissociative identity disorder (DID). In other words, the Joker persona was separate from Fleck. It was the former who murdered late night TV show host Murray Franklin, the three subway bullies, and more. Fleck, meanwhile, was the abandoned yet loving and caring individual who could do no harm.

The second film’s plot covers Fleck’s trial for such brutal actions. And throughout, we thought he made a strong case to establish that he wasn’t guilty, since he wasn’t even sane enough to begin with.

Everything was beautifully set up, so much so that you could already predict a not-guilty verdict. His defense had solid arguments to back everything up. A resounding final statement would have left a lasting impression on the jury that handled the case.

And yet, in a red pill moment, Fleck admitted there is no Joker persona and that everything was done by just him. He was handed the guilty verdict, and chaos ensues again, albeit in a different light.

To say the least, it’s incredible what Fleck did. It’s confusing at first, yet it also makes sense. We’ll get to that in a bit.

Even Lady Gaga’s Lee Quinzel wound up questioning Fleck in the end why he quit the Joker masquerade, when he was doing so well with it. Ironically, it was also Lee who told Fleck (as shown on the trailer) she wanted “to see the real” him.

What if the “real” him was indeed one without the Joker personality we all thought was separate from him? How paradoxical. And the film’s open-endedness all the more makes it such a compelling work of art.

No other choice?

Perhaps, for Fleck, it was the only way. He chose to stop delaying the inevitable. He thought of stopping the charades and finally waking up to what was real. Besides, what other choice did he have? It’s not as if everything else still mattered.

Naturally, it’s much more complex in real life. As for mental health problems, there are no magic bullets. Scientifically speaking, there’s therapy, medication, support circles, and developing healthy habits to improve your overall well-being. But “healing” and getting to a “better place” takes a continuous process. It can even go an entire lifetime sometimes.

And sometimes, suffering from such illnesses also hurt those around us. It can push those around us away. We may or may not realize that right away. It’s not that it’s our fault. But at the same time, those who suffer from mental illnesses themselves also come to realize that they will have to play an integral role if they want progress.

In the same logic to a certain extent, Fleck seeing those rallying behind him committing acts of violence, or even Lee getting influenced by his Joker facade, it was a realization that he needed to stop and finally be responsible for all of his actions. That’s even with his upbringing and the trauma it caused him.

Unfortunately for him, there was no escaping his situation anymore after everything that had already transpired, as he was ultimately killed inside the Arkham Asylum. It’s unadulteratedly sad. Harsh, even. And yet, it’s also the reality for most of us.

Unfair, paradoxical life

Beneath Fleck’s transcendence, one may think: if only he had a level playing field to begin with. Truth be told, most of us do not have the same luxury either. Furthermore, most — if not all — suffering from mental health illnesses do not have it too.

Fleck came to comprehend reality. I wouldn’t even say “embrace” or “accept” because both sound forced in this context. That’s no matter how unfair it had been to him, and knowing he was already in a no-win situation.

And for most of us, it takes a while before comprehending how unfair this world is and realizing how paradoxical it can get. For some, it can get really tough like Fleck’s case where there is no getting out. Just imagine how many real-life Arthur Flecks there are.

It doesn’t mean one cannot win in life anymore, or live a reality that’s more ideal. It also doesn’t mean those who have mental health problems can never “completely” heal from them or overcome them.

But it’s no guarantee either. And Joker: Folie à Deux slaps us with this truth. By strict definition, it’s hardly even a musical nor a comic book/superhero story. It’s a take on the reality of life: one that’s unfair and paradoxical; one that sometimes can be without choices and escapes.

How do we even come to terms with life if that’s the case? I probably shouldn’t have watched this movie.

But what choice do I have?

See? Makes you think.