A "MASTERPIECE" OR "STARTLINGLY DULL"? DIVISIVE PSYCHOLOGICAL DRAMA GETS NEW UK STREAMING HOME

Joker: Folie à Deux, the divisive psychological drama, has found a new streaming home in the UK.

A sequel to Todd Phillips's hit 2019 film Joker, the musical film sees Joaquin Phoenix reprise his role as Arthur Fleck aka Joker, with the action picking up as the character is incarcerated at Arkham State Hospital.

Struggling with his dual identity behind bars, Arthur comes into contact with Harley "Lee" Quinzel (Lady Gaga), who encourages him to ditch his life as a failed comedian and embrace his chaotic alter-ego.

Released in cinemas in October with much anticipation, Joker: Folie à Deux now has a new streaming home, with the film available to stream on Sky Cinema and NOW (with a Cinema subscription) in the UK.

Upon its release, the film received a mixed response from critics, currently possessing a disappointing approval rating of 31% on Rotten Tomatoes from 361 reviews. In the site's critical consensus, they noted the "still" pacing.

Related: New Wonder Woman movie gets promising update from DC's James Gunn

The Sydney Morning Herald praised the film, writing: "Joker: Folie à Deux is a masterpiece. Not a once-in-a-generation masterpiece but an ambitious and emotionally intelligent film that challenges everything it touches."

"As sweet and beguiling a musical romance as it’s possible to have between two murderous psychopaths. Its kooky approach won’t suit all stripes of comic-book fan, but it finds a strange, tragic hopefulness all of its own," said Empire Magazine.

In his review of the film, Mark Kermode said: "It is a very strange film... and I mean that as a compliment," while The Hollywood Reporter called Gaga a "compelling live-wire presence".

Related: Best streaming services

There were detractors, however, with Vanity Fair describing it as a "startlingly dull, pointless procedural that seems to disdain its audience," adding that "very little happens" during the 138-minute runtime.

"Depending on how you look at it, this demythologising exercise is either daring or it's irritatingly smug, but it's definitely not much fun," penned the BBC, while IndieWire dubbed it a "listless" experience with "underwhelming" musical numbers.

Joker: Folie à Deux is now available to stream on Sky Cinema and NOW in the UK.

Digital Spy's first print magazine is here! Buy British Comedy Legends in newsagents or online, now priced at just £3.99.

2025-06-20T23:38:07Z