Joker's Wild Dance: 725 Cinemas Brace for 'Folie à Deux'

Warner Bros' Joker: Folie à Deux is set to waltz into the UK and Ireland box office this weekend with all the subtlety of a tap-dancing elephant, debuting in a not-so-modest 725 cinemas. The sequel, featuring the dynamic duo of Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, is aiming for a wider release than its predecessor, the 2019 original that opened in merely 668 locations. If there’s one thing we’ve learned from Hollywood, it’s that bigger onions make for even bigger tears—and possibly an even bigger box office, as demonstrated by the original that opened with a whopping £12.6 million before unfurling its theatrical wings to reach a staggering £58 million. Talk about turning craziness into cash!

As the highest-grossing film outside North America, Joker sets a formidable bar for what could only be described as performance art on steroids. The film remains the reigning champion of R-rated features, with Disney's Deadpool and Wolverine hot on its heels, eagerly plotting their box office takedown at £57.4 million. Let's just say there’s a friendly rivalry brewing in the almost-sociopathic superhero set.

Described as a musical psychological drama—because why not throw a ballad or two into the chaos?—Joker: Folie à Deux sees Phoenix donning the infamous clown shoes once more, returning to his role as iconic DC villain Arthur Fleck. This time around, while waiting for his trial at a mental institution (a cozy little retreat for the creatively inclined), he bumps into the love of his life—played by none other than Gaga as Harley Quinn. Ah, nothing like finding your soulmate in a padded room, right? He also discovers that deep within the madness, there’s music, like a Broadway show waiting to burst forth from the heart of Gotham.

Director Todd Phillips is back, ready to pull the strings while a cast including Zazie Beetz, Harry Lawtey, Brendan Gleeson, and Steve Coogan joins the fray. The film had its grand premiere at the Venice Film Festival, where its predecessor snatched the Golden Lion. However, it seems that the critics are playing hard to get this time around. The film officially opened in the UK and Ireland last Wednesday, October 2nd, so one can only imagine the existential crises blossoming in cinema seats as patrons brace themselves for the emotional rollercoaster.

Also making its theatrical debut this weekend is Universal’s A Different Man, showing in 214 cinemas. Directed by Aaron Schimberg, this comedic thriller stars Sebastian Stan as a man who, after undergoing facial-reconstructive surgery, becomes hopelessly obsessed with the actor who portrays him in a play. It had its world premiere at the Berlinale, where Stan picked up the Silver Bear for best leading performance. Because who wouldn’t want a bear as a trophy for exploring one’s existential dread?

In the world of event cinema, Trafalgar Releasing is launching Les Contes D’Hoffmann - Met Opera 2024 in 168 venues this Saturday, October 5th. Meanwhile, Abramorama is screening Coldplay: Moon Music, and Source Entertainment is sneaking in a bit of Shakespeare with Othello from Shakespeare’s Globe. Oh, and if you’re in the mood for some nostalgia, Park Circus is re-releasing Mel Brooks’ beloved parody, Young Frankenstein, in 109 locations. Who can resist a good Gene Wilder performance, especially when it was nominated for two Oscars?

Diving into Asian cinema, we see Indian comedy Thekku Vadakku opening in 76 cinemas courtesy of Yash Raj Films, while Telugu-language action flick Swag launches in 15 cinemas thanks to Dreamz Entertainment. For fans of the fantastical, the SXSW premiere Things Will Be Different is making its way to seven venues through Lightbulb Film Distribution. This sci-fi horror revolves around two estranged siblings discovering a farmhouse that hides them away in a different time—because family reunions just wouldn’t be complete without a dash of time travel, right?

For documentary enthusiasts, Dartmouth Films is releasing Children Of The Cult in four cinemas, while Tull Stories is debuting their surfing doc Maya And The Wave in three locations. One can only hope that these films also bring along a bit of humor and insight into the human condition—because who among us doesn’t love a good film that holds a funhouse mirror up to our inner lives?