“Joker 2” has already hit theaters worldwide, and reactions have been incredibly diverse. Unlike the unanimous acclaim received by the first installment upon its release in 2019, both viewers and critics seem uncertain about whether this sequel lives up to the legendary status of the original.
In this second chapter, we find Arthur Fleck in prison, awaiting trial for his crimes, with the possibility of a death sentence looming. However, not everything is darkness, as he encounters Harleen “Lee” Quinzel, a patient at Arkham State Hospital who claims to love him for his flaws—or so he believes.
The world has been thrown into a frenzy, with criticisms and praises judging various aspects of the film in diverse ways. One thing is clear: the public has been left either shocked or intrigued by the production’s ending. Here’s what director Todd Phillips had to say about it.
Todd Phillips shares his thoughts on the public reception of ‘Joker 2’ ending
At a pre-screening Q&A session held in late September, Todd Phillips shared that he knew from the start that the last scenes of “Joker 2” would cause shock. He noted that the general reaction from those who viewed it before its worldwide release was to sit in silence for a few minutes. Then, the ones who have his contact texted him saying, “I need a minute to process the movie.”
Phillips explained that while the title’s final moments may be unsettling, they answer all the questions and plotlines raised in the first installment. He sarcastically added that if viewers didn’t understand the ending, they could email him, indicating his confidence in the conclusion he crafted.
It’s hard to ignore that his comments may address some of the negative reviews “Joker 2” received regarding its ending, which many critics called unfitting for Arthur Fleck’s story. However, as mentioned earlier, most critiques have been mixed, with several prominent figures in the industry praising the conclusion.
Ultimately, the pressing question on viewers’ minds after watching the hit is whether the performances of Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga will be Oscar contenders for 2025. If they win in their respective categories, it would mark a second Academy Award for Gaga, who won Best Original Song in 2019 for “Shallow,” and for Phoenix, who received the Best Actor award for his role in “Joker”. Time will tell how they do!
