Kaylynn Gunneson

**Contains Spoilers** I don’t typically write movie reviews—it’s just not something I do. However, after seeing the low ratings and negative feedback surrounding Joker: Folie à Deux, I felt compelled to speak up. This film struck a profound chord within me, resonating in ways I hadn’t anticipated. I believe that if you’ve led a relatively normal life, you might not connect with this movie the way I did. It’s been almost a decade since I’ve watched a film that elicited such a raw emotional response, leaving me with silent tears that soaked my shirt collar. The powerful moments that brought me to tears revolved around Arthur Fleck’s childhood. The scenes depicting his struggles, the laughter directed at him, and the sheer cruelty he faced were gut-wrenching. It’s a portrayal of isolation and despair that many may overlook, but for those who have similar experiences, it’s painfully relatable. The film explores themes of childhood abuse and the heartbreaking reality of not being believed, as well as the cycle of abuse and manipulation from those who are supposed to love and protect you. Arthur’s relationship with his mother is particularly poignant; she embodies both love and betrayal. This duality illustrates how those meant to provide safety can perpetuate cycles of dysfunction and trauma. The film starkly portrays how this cycle of abuse can lead individuals into a dark spiral. The scars left by those who are supposed to care highlight the complexity of familial relationships, where love can be entwined with betrayal, leaving deep psychological wounds that are difficult to heal. The feeling of being trapped in a situation where your pain goes unnoticed or dismissed is a hopeless experience, and this film captures that essence beautifully. Moreover, the portrayal of a man battling his demons while seeking understanding in a world that seems intent on misunderstanding him was profoundly relatable. One particularly harrowing scene was when Arthur, after enduring relentless bullying and abuse, finally stood up for himself in the courtroom. The brutal sexual assault by the guards was a devastating moment that plunged him further into darkness, showing how society’s cruelty can push a person to a breaking point. It felt as if he was trapped in a cycle of despair, ultimately leading him to a sort of suicide by confession, giving the prosecutors exactly what they wanted to hear. This narrative—a heartbreaking exploration of someone pushed to the brink—echoed with me deeply. If you haven’t been kicked to the point of breaking like this, congrats! But for me, this film captures the harsh reality of such experiences. Joker: Folie à Deux is not just a story about a villain; it’s a raw, unflinching look at the human condition. It invites viewers to reflect on the impact of societal neglect and the profound consequences of mental illness. For those who resonate with Arthur’s struggles, especially the pain of childhood abuse, the anguish of being disbelieved, and the manipulation from those meant to protect, this film is a poignant reminder of the fragility of the human psyche and the desperate need for compassion in a world that can often be cruel.