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Joker: Folie à Deux poster

Is Joker: Folie à Deux OK for Kids?

DramaCrimeThriller
18+
R⭐ 5.2 / 102024 · 2h 18m
Todd Phillips

Where to Watch

United States

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Streaming data by JustWatch

What's In It

Based on the actual screenplay
⏳

We're re-reading this screenplay with our upgraded analysis. Scene-by-scene moment counts aren't available for Joker: Folie à Deux yet — the summaries below are from our earlier read-through. Check back soon.

🗡️Violence
Extreme▼
  • Arthur is brutally beaten by prison guards in showers and dragged naked to his cell
  • An inmate named Ricky is strangled to death by guards while Arthur watches
  • Arthur is repeatedly stabbed in the abdomen by another inmate at the end
  • Car bomb explosion outside courthouse kills and injures many people
  • References to previous murders including shooting Murray Franklin on TV
  • Young inmate carves a Glasgow smile into his own face after killing Arthur
💬Language
Extreme▼
  • Frequent use of the f-word throughout including 'f**king mess,' 'f**king a**,' 'what the f**k'
  • Strong language includes 's**t' used multiple times
  • Language is often directed at vulnerable characters including mentally ill inmates
  • Prison guards use profanity while abusing inmates
👻Scary Scenes
Moderate▼
  • Disturbing depictions of severe mental illness and delusions
  • Arthur's violent laughing episodes can be unsettling
  • Tense courtroom and prison atmosphere throughout
  • The final stabbing scene is shocking and brutal
  • Dark psychological themes about manipulation and obsession
💕Romance
Mild▼
  • Arthur and Lee kiss several times
  • Lee claims to be pregnant though this is later revealed as manipulation
  • Their relationship is portrayed as deeply unhealthy and exploitative
  • Musical fantasy sequences show romanticized versions of their relationship
  • No nudity or sexual content shown
🍺Substances
Mild▼
  • Arthur is shown taking psychiatric medication in prison
  • Characters smoke cigarettes frequently throughout
  • Arthur stops taking his medication which worsens his condition
  • No illegal drug use or alcohol consumption depicted
⚡Stimulation
Mild▼
  • Musical numbers create sudden shifts in tone and pacing
  • Courthouse explosion scene is loud and chaotic
  • Editing alternates between slow prison scenes and energetic fantasy sequences
  • The brutal violence scenes are intense but not overly rapid-fire
Joker: Folie à Deux — Heads Up for Parents

Despite being a musical, this contains some of the most brutal violence in recent comic book films, including graphic stabbing, strangulation death, and prison assault scenes that far exceed typical superhero movie content.

About Joker: Folie à Deux

A musical psychological drama sequel where Arthur Fleck awaits trial for the murders he committed as Joker while incarcerated at Arkham. He meets fellow patient Lee Quinzel, who becomes obsessed with his Joker persona, leading to a toxic relationship expressed through musical numbers. The film ends brutally when Arthur renounces the Joker identity and is killed by another inmate who then carves a smile on his own face.

⚠️
Watch with your child
The extreme violence, disturbing psychological content, and complex themes about mental illness require adult context and discussion

Family Takeaways from Joker: Folie à Deux

What it gets right

  • ✓Shows the dangerous consequences of idealizing violent individuals
  • ✓Depicts how manipulation can exploit vulnerable people with mental illness
  • ✓Illustrates that actions have consequences as Arthur faces trial for his crimes

Joker: Folie à Deux Cultural & Values Guide

Cultural & Values Guide

Values & Themes
●LGBTQ themes

The film features Harley Quinn and Joker's relationship alongside queer-coded musical sequences and dance numbers that celebrate non-conforming gender expression and sexuality as part of their shared fantasy world.

Community Notes

  • Some critics noted the film's violent ending may disappoint fans of the first film
  • Mental health advocates have raised concerns about the portrayal of institutional care
  • The musical elements have been criticized as jarring by some comic book fans
Cast:Joaquin PhoenixLady GagaBrendan GleesonCatherine KeenerZazie Beetz

Is Joker: Folie à Deux Appropriate for Your Child's Age?

✗Age 5: Not recommended for 5-year-olds
✗Age 8: Not recommended for 8-year-olds
✗Age 10: Not recommended for 10-year-olds
✗Age 12: Not recommended for 12-year-olds
✗Age 13: Not recommended for 13-year-olds
✗Age 15: Not recommended for 15-year-olds
✗Age 17: Not recommended for 17-year-olds

Individual children may vary — use your judgment.

Parents also ask about Joker: Folie à Deux

  • Is Joker: Folie à Deux appropriate for a 18-year-old?
  • Does Joker: Folie à Deux have violence?
  • Is Joker: Folie à Deux OK for kids?
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