Trans Joker film lands impressive Rotten Tomatoes score after near-universal critical acclaim
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The People’s Joker, a queer parody movie written, directed, edited, and starring comedian Vera Drew, has recently received near-universal critical acclaim and an impressive Rotten Tomatoes score. The 92-minute indie film offers an irreverent reimagining of The Joker’s origin story as a trans super-villain.
Set in a parody of the DC Comics universe, The People’s Joker follows an aspiring comedian grappling with issues surrounding gender identity. The protagonist has spent years using irony and a fictional inhalant called “smylex” to numb themselves. The film incorporates various characters, settings, and references from DC films, comics, and games, along with a cameo appearance from Better Call Saul star Bob Odenkirk. Additionally, over 200 independent artists from three separate continents contributed to the project.
Despite its creative approach, The People’s Joker faced controversy when it was pulled from the Toronto International Film Festival in 2022 due to rights issues. However, Vera Drew remained steadfast in her decision to showcase the film, stating that she does not respond well to bullying or pressure from faceless institutions. The attempt to silence the project only fueled her determination.
After finally receiving a showing in the US at the Outfest film festival in Los Angeles in July, The People’s Joker garnered critical acclaim. The release on 5 April led to a 96 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with only two out of 54 critic reviews being negative.
Critics praised the film for its deep and personal themes. Richard Brody from The New Yorker hailed it as the best superhero movie he had ever seen. Sara Michelle Fetters of MovieFreak lauded the protagonist as refreshingly euphoric, noting that the film’s humor leaves a lasting impact on viewers of all backgrounds. However, Edward Douglas of The Weekend Warrior offered a rare negative review, finding the film grueling and almost unwatchable.
Overall, The People’s Joker has made a significant impact with its unique take on a well-known character and its exploration of gender identity and societal norms. The film’s success on Rotten Tomatoes and positive reception from critics highlight its ability to engage audiences with its innovative storytelling and thought-provoking themes.
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