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The People's Joker (AD) (15)

— ,Cinemas
Vera Drew dressed as the Joker looks into the camera,

A revolutionary DIY parody of the Batman comics sees a painfully unfunny, aspiring clown grapple with her gender identity in a world where comedy has been outlawed.

Joker the Harlequin (Vera Drew) attempts to join the ranks of Gotham City's sole comedy program whilst uniting rejects and misfits to form an illegal anti-comedy troupe that puts her on a collision course with the devious caped crusader controlling the city. 

This mischievous take on the first Joaquin Phoenix film proves to be a constantly funny joy. Blending feminising chemicals, sexy cartoon interludes and comedic talent taking on a kaleidoscope of characters, cameos from Tim Heidecker, Bob Odenkirk, Maria Bamford (Big Mouth, Teenage Euthansia) and Scott Auckerman (Between Two Ferns) make this an unmissable breath of fresh air in queer cinema. 

Vera Drew is director, writer, editor and star for The People's Joker, using autobiographical details to bring to life this deeply personal journey that is as much documentary as it is parody. 

Tagged with: Cinema Magic Mondays New releases

Films can contain elements which some may find upsetting; from references to self-harm or suicide, to sexual violence or domestic abuse. The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) provides guidance to audiences, to help them choose what’s right for them and avoid what’s not. For guidance, please click here and type the film title into the search bar.

There is audio description available for this title. The film soundtrack comes through the speakers in the usual way and a recorded narrator explains what is happening on screen through personal headphones. Please ask a member of staff for a set of headphones.

Film information
  • Release year   2022
  • Country   USA
  • Director   Vera Drew
  • Runtime   1hr 32mins

Cinemas

Location
Barbican Cinema 1 is located within the main Barbican building on Level -2. Head to Level G and walk towards the Lakeside Terrace where you’ll find stairs and lifts to take you down to the venue floor.   

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.