Joker: Folie à Deux, one of the most anticipated films of 2024, will become available on Prime Video in December, expanding the lineup of Joaquin Phoenix streaming movies just in time for the holidays. The film, directed by Todd Phillips and starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, offers a musical turn on the infamous origin story, following the events of the acclaimed 2019 Joker.
Following its initial release, Joker: Folie à Deux garnered significant attention due to the earlier success of Phoenix and Phillips with Joker, which earned an Oscar and changed conventional portrayals of Gotham’s Joker. However, the sequel struggled under the weight of expectations, taking creative risks that resulted in mixed reactions from both fans and critics. Despite the return of Arthur Fleck, played by Phoenix, and the introduction of Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn, the bold musical approach divided audiences and was met with strong criticism.
Phoenix Returns as Arthur Fleck in a New Setting
The story picks up after the tumultuous ending of the first film, focusing on Arthur Fleck as he navigates life inside Arkham State Hospital. With Arthur awaiting trial for the murder of five people, the film explores his internal conflict and burgeoning relationship with Harley Quinn, portrayed by Lady Gaga. A key thematic shift occurs as Arthur discovers music within himself, signaling the film’s venture into the musical genre. The creative contributions from director Todd Phillips and co-writer Scott Silver sparked conversation for their unconventional choices, but the shift to musical elements proved polarizing, described by many as incoherent or chaotic.
The box office outcome reflected the contentious reception, as Joker: Folie à Deux earned only $207.5 million globally, a stark contrast to the first film’s $1 billion achievement. A mere 31% rating on Rotten Tomatoes further confirmed the movie’s difficulty connecting with audiences and critics alike, underscoring the risks involved in taking the franchise in such a new direction.
Other Streaming Highlights Featuring Joaquin Phoenix
Fans interested in Joaquin Phoenix streaming movies have additional options beyond Joker: Folie à Deux. After working on Joker’s sequel, Phoenix teamed up again with director Ari Aster for the neo-western film Eddington. Set during the pandemic, Eddington spotlights a tense standoff in a small town, with Phoenix portraying the sheriff, Joe, opposite Pedro Pascal’s mayor, Ted. The supporting cast includes Luke Grimes, Deirdre O’Connell, Micheal Ward, Austin Butler, and Emma Stone. While Eddington saw limited box office returns, collecting $13.1 million worldwide, it achieved surprising popularity on streaming platforms, consistently ranking among the top ten titles.
For those drawn to Phoenix’s larger-than-life roles, Ridley Scott’s Napoleon offers another compelling streaming choice. Featuring Phoenix as Napoleon Bonaparte and Vanessa Kirby as Empress Josephine, this historical epic is available on Apple TV and showcases Phoenix’s dynamic range in yet another prominent character study.
Joker: Folie à Deux Premieres on Prime Video
Joker: Folie à Deux will be released for streaming on Prime Video starting December 16. The film’s cast includes Joaquin Phoenix reprising the role of Arthur Fleck and Lady Gaga bringing to life the character of Harley Quinn, also known as Lee Quinzel. The sequel’s move to streaming may offer it renewed attention, allowing existing fans and new viewers alike to experience Phillips and Silver’s controversial take on the Joker saga.
Looking ahead, the film’s streaming release invites renewed discussion on the evolution of the character and the direction of future collaborations between Phoenix and renowned directors such as Todd Phillips and Ari Aster. This move highlights the changing landscape of movie releases, as streaming platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV become critical stages for high-profile projects and performances from stars like Joaquin Phoenix.
