This Joker: Folie à Deux theory might change how you watch the whole movie
Oct. 9, 2024There’s more going on here
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Warning: This article contains spoilers fromJoker 2.
While Joker: Folie à Deux might begetting a mixed reception among audiences and critics, a new theory suggests that you might have got the meaning of the sequel all wrong.
One TikTokerhas taken a deep dive into the film, and thinks that it was Joker rather than Arthur Fleck pulling the strings the whole time. User Society.made.the.joker posted a video, in which she argues that “the Joker is a real persona, and he’s a persona that comes out to protect Arthur.”
In her theory, she suggests that the Joker makes an appearance early in the movie. “From the beginning when we see his friend Ricky bite the security guard, the Joker was already active,” she argues. “That is when he awakens. The Joker likes music, he likes musicals, Arthur does not.”
It’s a really interesting idea, and one that seems to be going against one of the main narratives of the whole film: that the Joker isn’t really real or separate from Arthur. Posting on Reddit, some fans have shared their thoughts on the theory too.
“Interesting takes,“wrote one, while asecond added: “I think this is a nice insight on Joker 2!” Meanwhile,a third argued: “This is a very good analysis. I don’t think it’s the only valid one though. They made a film that has so many elements in it, that I think it supports several completely different interpretations.”
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For more on the sequel, check out our guides to theJoker: Folie à Deux ending explained,Joker: Folie à Deux Easter eggs, and if there’s aJoker: Folie à Deux post-creditsscene.
I’m the Deputy Entertainment Editor here at GamesRadar+, covering TV and film for the Total Film and SFX sections online. I previously worked as a Senior Showbiz Reporter and SEO TV reporter at Express Online for three years. I’ve also written for The Resident magazines and Amateur Photographer, before specializing in entertainment.
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