The journey to bring The People’s Joker to theaters has been a challenging one. After debuting at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival, subsequent screenings were canceled due to “rights issues.” Given that the film is largely a parody of DC properties, there was concern that it might never see the light of day. However, nearly two years after its premiere, The People’s Joker has finally been released, and it was definitely worth the wait.
Directed, edited, co-written, and starring Vera Drew, the film offers a powerful exploration of her own experiences, addressing themes of gender, transitioning, the world of comedy, and familial issues. By using DC characters as a backdrop, Drew conveys her emotions in a more accessible and entertaining way.
The People’s Joker (2024)
Not Rated
Comedy
An aspiring clown grappling with her gender identity faces off against a fascistic caped crusader.
Release Date: April 5, 2023
Director: Vera Drew
Cast: Scott Aukerman, Maria Bamford, Christian Calloway, Tim Heidecker, Bob Odenkirk
Runtime: 92 minutes
What Is The People’s Joker About?
The film opens with Drew as Joker the Harlequin, preparing for a performance on a late-night show. She narrates her story, starting from her childhood (portrayed by Griffin Kramer) in Smallville, where her mother becomes concerned when she asks, “Was I born in the wrong body?” This leads to a therapy session at Arkham Asylum with Dr. Crane (Christian Calloway), who prescribes Smylex, a drug that ensures the user always puts on a happy face.
As a teenager, this child moves to Gotham to pursue a career as a comedian on the show UCB Live. Upon joining the show, she is told that being a male joker is advantageous as it promises a long career, unlike the female Harlequins, who are merely backup dancers. Frustrated by the restrictions of the show, she befriends Oswald Cobblepot (Nathan Faustyn), and together they open their own theater to showcase their brand of anti-comedy.
While performing there, she meets Mr. J (Kane Distler), a trans male comedian who takes an interest in her. This relationship becomes both a blessing and a curse, helping her realize she’s a transgender woman but also exposing her to the same abusive behaviors Mr. J experienced with Batman (Phil Braun). She ultimately dives into a vat of estrogen to transition fully into Joker the Harlequin, embracing her identity and making a mark on the comedy world.
The People’s Joker Thrives with Vera Drew at the Helm and in the Spotlight
Drew recounts how seeing Batman Forever in theaters was a pivotal moment, making her realize she wanted to be Dr. Chase Meridian (Nicole Kidman) rather than Batman (Val Kilmer). By framing her story within a Batman narrative, Drew can explore significant life events with humor and clever parallels, without getting lost in the darkness. The screenplay by Drew and Bri LeRose allows us to infer the underlying messages without explicitly stating the harsh realities. However, some of the Batman parody elements can occasionally overshadow the deeper themes. Despite this, these moments are forgivable, given the broader narrative purpose and the effective way Drew conveys her ideas.
What makes this ambitious project succeed is Drew’s multifaceted role—she not only pours her heart into the screenplay but also delivers a hilarious, quirky, and often poignant performance as Joker the Harlequin. She tells a story of transition, self-acceptance, and the challenges of navigating the comedy world as an outsider.
In many ways, this film is a more scathing critique of the comedy industry and shows like Saturday Night Live than it is a commentary on DC, highlighted by a terrifying portrayal of an animated Lorne Michaels (voiced by Maria Bamford). As the lead, Drew masterfully balances all the elements the story requires: a compelling protagonist, a humorous character, the emotional center of the narrative, and the face of this unique parody.
With a background as an editor on acclaimed comedy series like Comedy Bang! Bang!, I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson, and an Emmy nomination for Who Is America?, it’s no surprise that The People’s Joker is impeccably timed and well-structured. Despite juggling numerous concepts and ideas, the film never feels overstuffed or overambitious. Drew’s ability to bring everything together seamlessly is a testament to her talent, especially considering this is her first feature film.
The People’s Joker Offers a Visual Experience Unlike Any Other
Vera Drew’s distinctive style behind the camera also sets The People’s Joker apart. She collaborated with over 100 artists to bring this unique world to life, using their talents for everything from backgrounds to character animations. Through Drew’s lens, Gotham becomes a dynamic, mystifying place—exactly the kind of environment where some of the world’s most notorious villains would be born. Despite the variety of styles, the visuals never clash; instead, they contribute to the eccentricity of this world, where everyone strives to be their true selves.
The People’s Joker is also a delightful take on the DC universe, with Drew showing great affection for these iconic characters. Drew’s portrayal of Joker is outstanding, and Distler’s Mr. J offers a fresh reinterpretation of the complex history between Jason Todd, Joker, and Batman. David Liebe Hart, known for his work on Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!, is an unconventional but clever choice for Ra’s al Ghul, reimagined here as an improv teacher.
Yet, beyond the Jokers, Faustyn’s take on The Penguin as a fish-loving comedian trying to help Joker the Harlequin manage her anti-comedy show stands out. Faustyn transforms Cobblepot into a struggling comic, a shift that makes perfect sense within this context. While it may not require the intense transformations seen in Danny DeVito’s or Colin Farrell’s portrayals, it’s a delightful and humorous interpretation.
In an era where superhero films often feel repetitive, with Marvel relying on nostalgia and DC attempting to reboot its cinematic universe, The People’s Joker is a refreshing change. Drew demonstrates how these characters and stories can be used to tell new, exciting narratives rather than simply rehashing old ideas. While studios may not produce something as unconventional as The People’s Joker, watching an independent filmmaker like Drew take control of these worlds and create something unique makes for one of the year’s best comedies. We don’t need more recycled superhero stories; we need more creators like Drew who can highlight the absurdity of these universes and inject them with fresh perspectives.
The People’s Joker is a bold and innovative film, blending a coming-of-age narrative with parody and a powerful transition story. Drew emerges as a promising filmmaker and performer, delivering a story that feels entirely original, despite being rooted in familiar characters and settings. The People’s Joker is more than just a brilliant satire—it’s a profound statement from Drew. While the film has its flaws, it’s an outstanding and unique work that stands out in today’s cinematic landscape.
