I’m not sure I have anything new to say about this film, given how much discussion it's already generated, so I’ll simply share my thoughts. “Joker” is essentially an examination of Arthur Fleck’s character—a man struggling with mental illness who feels increasingly pushed aside by a harsh and indifferent society in Gotham City. Initially, the characters surrounding him feel underdeveloped; they seem to exist primarily to advance Arthur's narrative. Thomas Wayne, for example, is typically shown as a complex figure, wealthy yet compassionate, shaping his son Bruce’s values. In this film, he comes across as more aloof and privileged, which diminishes the impact of the familiar alleyway scene found in most Batman stories. That detail is important to what I'm getting at. Arthur has a condition that causes him to laugh inappropriately, along with other mental health issues that aren’t specifically defined. This lack of clarity is somewhat concerning because of how mental illness is presented overall. It almost suggests that anyone experiencing these conditions is inherently volatile and destined for destructive behavior. That’s not a positive message. Following a series of incidents, Arthur's situation deteriorates, but he also begins to understand the degree of influence he can exert over others—an element of the Joker character that isn’t always explored. This connects back to how those other than Arthur seem underdeveloped. There are several clues suggesting we’re seeing events from Arthur’s perspective, which results in a compelling portrayal of narcissism. The only character who feels fully realized is Arthur himself; however, he's unable or unwilling to connect with others and perceive their depth. Consequently, we witness narcissism from within—a lack of connection and the perception of people as tools for his own purposes. It’s understated, not overtly displayed, but if you pay attention, there are indications present. People worried that “Joker” would celebrate incel violence or something similar can probably relax a bit, although the film does have some troubling depictions; it essentially portrays individuals with mental illness negatively, which raises other concerns. The movie's quality fluctuates considerably, ranging from genuinely impressive to merely acceptable, and sometimes even falling flat. Despite this inconsistency, I do recommend it, but with reservations.

Source on TMDB