Alejandro Quinche

Spoiler Warning: This review contains spoilers for Joker 2. Joker 2 takes bold risks but ultimately delivers a contradictory narrative that undermines its potential. Visually, the film is strong, with impressive cinematography that captures the grimy atmosphere of Gotham. However, the narrative falters, especially in the relationship between Arthur and Harley Quinn. Her betrayal is a critical misstep; she seems more interested in escaping Arthur than supporting him. One pivotal scene shows her on the verge of suicide while Arthur sings alone, craving connection. Later, her presence directly contributes to his death, revealing a complete disdain for who Arthur is. The film attempts to address societal neglect but often feels cruel in its execution. A courtroom scene showcases Arthur's trauma his suffering is presented like a checklist, re-victimizing him this interesting as this is not usual in court drama's however it then turns to mock Arthur rather than exploring his struggles, dismissing his coping mechanisms and subjecting him to ridicule for his failures. Overall, Joker 2 misses the mark. While the first film resonated with audiences through its exploration of real-world struggles, this sequel neglects the moral complexities of the Batman universe, trading depth for spectacle, and the idea of forgiveness which is so central to dilemas it's thrown out of the window to satanize violence glorification, with the use of violence on Arthur for 2 hours straight.