The long-awaited “trans Joker movie DC didn’t want you to see” has finally graced the screens, delivering an experience that demands to be witnessed. It’s a comedic yet deeply touching triumph that resonates with audiences, as it’s truly made “for the people. ”
In this bold new take on the iconic villain, filmmaker Vera Drew presents a story that the real Joker would probably endorse. The People's Joker narrates her autobiographical journey, but set within the dark and gritty backdrop of Batman’s Gotham City.
The film made headlines back in 2022 because “a big media conglomerate” threatened legal action against Drew for using their characters without permission, even if she made it clear it was a parody under fair use. It had a premiere screening at the Toronto International Film Festival, but Drew had to pull all subsequent screenings. Luckily, the result is here and just wait till you get a load of her.
We first meet Vera as a young child (Griffin Kramer) growing up in Smallville, Kansas. There, she realizes two things: she wants to be a comedian, and, after seeing Nicole Kidman in Batman Forever (Joel Schumacher, 1995), she’s a girl trapped in a body she doesn’t feel comfortable with. But she’s taken to Arkham Asylum where she’s prescribed Smylex, an anti-depressant that forces users to put on a happy face and laugh away their problems.
Soon, she has grown up (now played by Drew herself) and moves to Gotham to audition for UCB Live (an in-universe sketch comedy show equivalent to Saturday Night Live). When they can’t afford the fee to join, Joker and Penguin (Nathan Faustyn), another struggling comedian, take matters into their own hands and start their own "anti-comedy" troupe in an abandoned circus. Other DC villains such as Poison Ivy, Riddler, Bane, Clayface and Mr. Freeze follow suit.
This is where we meet Mr. J (Kane Distler), a trans man comedian who captivates Joker and helps her find the courage to come out as trans herself. Thus, Joker the Harlequin is born. Mr. J's backstory adds an intriguing layer to the narrative: originally born as Carrie Kelly, an orphan whom Batman found and trained to become Robin, he eventually assumes the identity of Jason Todd, looking exactly like Jared Leto's Joker from Suicide Squad (David Ayer, 2016). As their relationship mirrors that of Joker and Harley Quinn’s in the comics, they also develop a toxicity that remains a focal point throughout the film. Joker the Harlequin eventually discovers her role as the comedy messiah, allowing Gotham to laugh again.
The People’s Joker boldly follows in the footsteps of queer filmmakers challenging copyright claims and “the good taste” establishment. The DIY aesthetic, guerrilla, community-made style also speaks to this rich, broader history of filmmaking. By queering the Batman, Drew blends the franchise’s campy elements with heavy themes like substance abuse, parental rejection, emotional manipulation, sexual grooming, and, of course, the complex journey of coming out as trans.
Drew’s passion for the lore is palpable and admirable. She utilizes the story elements of Joker and other villains as a means to navigate her own trans journey. She also intertwines the backstories of other characters, whether they are trans, cis, queer, or straight to craft a narrative that celebrates the diverse and multifaceted nature of humanity.
Vera’s embraced who she is. It's time for us to do the same.
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