Heath Ledger’s Joker quipped, “Whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stranger.” Vera Drew has internalized that line in her outrageous parody of Todd Phillips’ “Joker,” “The People’s Joker,” which is now available on VOD and for purchase on Blu-ray, DVD and VHS.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this movie, only knowing that after its premiere at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival, it has been playing on the independent scene to critical and audience praise.
When the Young Joker (Griffin Kramer) suggests that “boy” is not the correct label, his mother (Lynn Downey) takes him to Arkham Asylum to try to bring back her happy son, putting him on a regime of “Smilex.” Young Joker transitions to Joker the Harlequin (Vera Drew). Along the way, she meets the abusive Mr. J (Kane Distler), who, while initially supportive, stands in the way of her happiness. Joker the Harlequin longs to be a clown, but when she realizes her only path to success is as a Jokeman, she joins with the Penguin (Nathan Faustyn) to start an underground comedy club for people wanting something more than what they can find on their current late night television shows.
Drew has created something wholly unique with “The People’s Joker.” There are moments when it almost feels like she’s just throwing whatever she can think of at the wall to see what sticks, but as the movie unfolds you can see there is a delicious method to her madness. Blending different animation styles with live action, bright colors, unique editing choices and an unapologetically trans story, this movie will take you on a journey.
The performances can be hit or miss throughout. None are bad, but some lack some of the polish you might see in a film with a larger budget. That said, Drew is fantastic in her role as Joker. She has a background in comedy and that comes across in her performance.
The story is laugh-out-loud funny at points, but when the end rolled around, I cried — despite being a story that is particular to one person, the final moment is deeply relatable. This movie doesn’t coddle audiences with its subject matter, and it acknowledges that in a unique way through the story. But despite it being very loudly a trans coming-of-age story, anyone who has struggled to find their most authentic self will see themselves in it.
The Joker is one of the most iconic and iconoclastic characters ever created. So, taking that character and rethinking him as a trans woman follows a natural arc, even if it might make some uncomfortable. Drew has created something unique and transgressive and powerful in “The People’s Joker.” Art is at its best when it is personal and when it pushes boundaries — and I’m here to say that “The People’s Joker” is art.
Alise Chaffins is a Morgantown writer who loves movies and sharing her opinions. She reviews a movie from a streaming service every Saturday and one newly in theaters every Sunday. Find more at MacGuffin or Meaning on Substack.
