Vera Drew’s The People’s Joker is one of the wildest queer comedies you’ll ever see!
The People’s Joker, a revolutionary DIY parody film and hilarious reimagining of the classic autobiographical coming-of-age story, follows an unconfident, closeted trans girl as she moves to Gotham City to make it big as a comedian by joining the cast of UCB Live – a government-sanctioned late night sketch show in a world where comedy has been outlawed.
As mainstream success eludes our heroine, leading her to unite with a ragtag team of rejects, misfits and a certain love interest named Mister J, “Joker the Harlequin” is born again as a confident (and psychotic) joker on a collision course with the city’s fascist caped crusader.
Vats of feminizing chemicals, sexy cartoon interludes, scarecrow psychiatrists, CGI Lorne Michaels and psychedelic gender dysphoria all play supporting roles. Comedy world veterans like Scott Aukerman, Tim Heidecker, Maria Bamford, Robert Wuhl and Bob Odenkirk also pop up in supporting roles.
Helmed by writer, director, editor and star Vera Drew, using her own life experiences as a basis for the film, The People’s Joker is a film that we’re thrilled has managed to see the light of day. Though it premiered at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival, planned subsequent screenings of the film were canceled due to “rights issues.” According to the filmmaker, “a media conglomerate” sent her “an angry letter (misreported as a ‘cease and desist’) pressuring to not screen” shortly before the premiere.
Despite it’s troubled journey to audiences (and it’s liberal use of certain well-known intellectual property), The People’s Joker offers up a deliriously funny and deeply twisted personal journey that’s as much documentary as it is parody.
Watch the trailer for The People’s Joker below and click here to pre-order your copy. The film will be available on DVD and Blu-ray starting August 13th.