2023 Chicago International Film Festival Movie Review: The People’s Joker

The People’s Joker first gained notoriety in 2022 because its premiere was pulled from the Toronto International Film Festival lineup at the last minute because, according to writer/director/star/editor Vera Drew, a media conglomerate sent her, “an angry letter pressuring to not screen” due to copyright issues pertaining to characters in the film. Drew was able to clear any and all rights issues and has been showing the film around festivals this year.

The People’s Joker is a delirious and mostly entertaining parody of Batman, Joker, and all things DC comics. It was made on a micro-budget and combines several film mediums into one movie. It features real actors in real locations, cheap green screen and CGI, animation, and stop-motion toys, all with no rhyme or reason as to why or when a different medium is used. But the film was made with passion, knowledge of the source material it is making fun of, and a central coming-of-age story that ties the whole film together.

The People’s Joker looks at Joker the Harlequin (Drew), who grew up in Smallville, Kansas obsessed with a sketch comedy show called UCB Live while wondering if they were born in the wrong body. Depressed about this, they bring this issue up to their mother (Lynn Downey), who immediately takes them to Arkham Asylum where they are prescribed Smylex, a drug that forces its users to put on a happy face, even if they suffer from depression, anxiety, or gender dysphoria.

Fifteen years, later, Joker moves to Gotham City in hopes of being on UCB Live. When they realize how expensive UCB is, Joker teams up with Penguin (Nathan Faustyn) and a slew of other Batman crooks like Mr. Freeze, Catwoman, and Poison Ivy to make their own comedy troupe. Joker meets Jason “Mr. J” Todd (Kane Distler) during one of the comedy shows and the two fall in love despite Mr. J’s chaotic behavior. Through this relationship and their popularity rising in the comedy world, Joker begins to realize who they are as a person and what they need to do to feel truly happy.

From the opening credits, which feature a dedication to “Mom and Joel Schumacher”, The People’s Joker floors its purple Lamborghini to 150 mph and does not stop. The film is loaded with cinematic references, mostly about any Batman movie, most specifically Batman Forever, and slick comedic humor from quick one-liners to parodying classic Batman villains and current pop culture figures like SNL creator Lorne Michaels. It would be very easy for a movie with so many references, jokes, and styles of filmmaking to lose track of the tone, allowing the movie to run off the rails quickly and become annoying. But Drew brilliantly keeps everything on track, even if by the slimmest of margins. They have complete control over the tone and tempo and everything flows almost seamlessly. This is an impressive feat from a first-time filmmaker and something even seasoned directors have issues with.

Drew also keeps the core story of a trans-woman coming to terms with her identity and happiness front and center throughout The People’s Joker. You never once forget what the movie is about and Drew allows us to empathize with Joker and their struggle to understand who they really are and what makes them happy. Through all the bits, humor, and characters in the film, The People’s Joker never loses its heart.

I saw The People’s Joker in the middle of the afternoon at a mostly empty press screening, which is not the environment for this movie. With its biting humor, creative and cheap but effective filmmaking techniques, and chaotic energy throughout the film, this would be a movie best watched at midnight in a packed theater where patrons are drinking, yelling, and having a great time. This one has instant cult classic written all over it.

The People’s Joker played in the After Dark section of the 2023 Chicago International Film Festival.

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