Warning: This article contains spoilers! We’re exploring the conclusion of “Joker: Folie à Deux” (currently in theaters). Proceed only if you wish to know more!

The joyful dancing came to an end for Joker (Joaquin Phoenix) and Harley Quinn (Lady Gaga) in “Joker: Folie à Deux.”

Lady Gaga envisioned a dreamlike waltz scene for the follow-up to 2019’s “Joker,” which features two enamored inmates at Arkham State Hospital: Lee Quinzel (who becomes Harley Quinn) and Arthur Fleck (who reverts to Joker). However, their beautiful illusion was destined to shatter, much like their dance.

“It’s a fantasy they share,” states Phoenix.

The film showcases hauntingly enchanting musical and dance moments involving the unconventional DC Comics villains. Nonetheless, “Folie à Deux” wraps up in what director and co-writer Todd Phillips describes as “a tragedy.”

Lee turns away from Arthur after he claims he’s not the Joker

Inspired by her love, the broken inmate Arthur re-emerges as the Joker in “Folie à Deux.” He defiantly defends himself in full Joker makeup during his spectacular “trial of the century” in Gotham for the murders committed in the first film.

However, the powerful testimony from Gary (Leigh Gill), the sole witness who considered Arthur a friend, cuts deep. Arthur confesses to the jury that he’s not the Joker, identifies as Arthur, and regrets the murders. Following this moment, Lee exits the courtroom, marking the end of their romance.

“It’s because Lee didn’t love Arthur,” Phillips explains. “She was in love with Joker, and he is not that. He’s merely Arthur, and can only don that Joker persona temporarily. The film explores his identity—who is he, Arthur or Joker? Ultimately, he simply isn’t Joker.”

The jury comes back with guilty verdicts on all counts of murder. However, a car bomb explosion set off by fanatic Joker followers causes chaos, resulting in injuries and deaths, including District Attorney Harvey Dent (Harry Lawtey). Arthur manages to escape relatively unhurt through the wreckage of the courthouse.

Yet, his primary goal is to locate Lee, discovering her on the iconic steps where they once discussed, where Arthur had previously danced joyfully as the Joker. Unfortunately, Lee wants nothing to do with him.

“All through the film, she never utters the name ‘Arthur.’ She consistently calls him Joker. Until the very last scene on the stairs,” Phillips notes. “That’s when she says, ‘Goodbye, Arthur.’ Because she could not accept who he had become.”

Arthur is mortally stabbed by another inmate who might be the genuine Joker

After being apprehended, Arthur is taken back to Arkham State Hospital. Soon after, a grinning fellow inmate approaches him and says, “Hey, Arthur, can I tell you a joke?”

The joke tells of a “psychopath” who walks into a bar and sees a well-known clown wallowing in disappointment and drunkenness. The psychopath, addressing the sad clown, remarks, “I can’t believe you’re here. You’re such a letdown. I used to watch you on TV.”

It’s evident that Arthur embodies the disappointing clown, while the joker-teller is the psychopath (and potentially the “true” Joker). Following the punchline, the inmate delivers a fatal stab to Arthur’s abdomen. As Arthur collapses, laughing maniacally, the attacker uses the knife to cut his own face, seemingly trying to emulate a Joker-like smile.

“Perhaps the concept is that Arthur was never truly Joker,” Phillips speculates. “Maybe he has always just inspired the Joker or is a precursor to something yet to come.”

In a chilling fantasy sequence, Arthur foreshadows his demise and the end of his relationship when Harley Quinn shoot him in the stomach—the same area where he will eventually be stabbed. “Maybe he had an inkling this would happen,” adds Phillips.

The finale arrives when Lady Gaga sings ‘That’s Life’

Throughout “Joker: Folie à Deux,” Harley Quinn dreams of constructing a mountain with Joker and performs “Gonna Build a Mountain,” which reflects their relationship. The song’s lyrics include: “Going to build a mountain/ Going to build it high/ I don’t know how I’m gonna do it all/ I know I’m gonna try.”

“They share a fantasy of being at the peak of their romance,” comments Gaga. The conclusion shows that Lee/Harley Quinn now understands this as merely a fantasy. This insight prompts a powerful rendition of “That’s Life,” showcasing an off-screen Gaga. The talented singer and actress, who won an Oscar, had restrained herself from fully embracing her role as Lee. However, in the performance of “That’s Life,” Gaga finally unleashes her full potential.

“It’s a fascinating contrast to the rest of the film,” explains Gaga. “This song needed to be infused with heart, strength, and a fierce spirit, embodying a resolve found only in those who are truly bold. It feels like it belongs to a completely different character set in another world.”

Singing as Lee/Harley, after she comes to terms with a harsh reality, demanded countless retakes before the perfectionist could nail the authenticity.

“I must have sung that literally hundreds of times,” Gaga reflects. “I aimed to capture Harley’s essence and convey a sense of victory while also creating an eerie undertone.”