The DC Comics universe, improv comedy, and gender identity all collide in this wild coming-of-age super-villain parody from Emmy-nominated filmmaker Vera Drew.

The subversive superhero film that played only once at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival (subsequent screenings were cancelled after Warner Bros. claimed copyright infringement) has finally won limited theatrical release in a very short window!

Set in a Gotham City where comedy is outlawed and the Caped Crusader is a right-winger, Vera Drew’s semi-autobiographical satire—about an aspiring clown (played by Drew)—is a gutsy, gonzo work that reimagines the origin story of Batman’s nemesis as a trans coming-of-age tale.

With its humble beginnings as a crowd-funded enterprise, The People’s Joker has become a smash hit among critics and audiences who have praised its creative approach. Vera Drew serves as co-writer, director, editor, and star of this weirdly entertaining and educational film with a supporting cast of improv comedy greats that includes Tim Heidecker, Maria Bumford, and Bob Odenkirk.

Runtime is 90 minutes. Tickets are $8 / $10 in advance and $12 / $15 at the door.