The People’s Joker is unlike any other superhero film (or any movie in general), and its strengths lie in its differences, dark humor, and intriguing and thoughtful character development. The superhero parody film is directed and co-written by Vera Drew, who also stars as the titular character — Joker the Harlequin — with Bri LeRose also co-writing. While on the outside it might look like another live-action version of the Joker (and Harley Quinn), The People’s Joker is able to stand out from the rest.

One of the best (and often overlooked) corners of Hollywood is the superhero parody genre. Given the apparent superhero movie fatigue in audiences in the 2020s, satire of these movies is warmly welcomed. As a result, The People’s Joker is an exciting and fresh addition to the superhero parody genre that delivers numerous laughs by poking fun at various renditions of Batman, the Joker, Penguin, and other DC Comics characters that have plagued the media for decades.

While it rarely takes itself seriously, the dark comedy seamlessly weaves heartbreaking tales (like Joker the Harlequin’s turbulent relationship with her mother and the abusive and toxic romance between Joker the Harlequin and Mr. J) throughout the movie. A viewer could be crying from laughter during one scene and tearing up due to Joker the Harlequin’s harrowing journey in the next. Thankfully, The People’s Joker has a (somewhat) hopeful and content ending.

The People’s Joker not only separates itself from other movies in the superhero genre but also from superhero parodies. It’s not comparable to The Boys, Invincible, or Kick-Ass, due to its distinguished and important story revolving around a transgender woman in Gotham. It’s hilarious, heartbreaking, distinctive, significant, and just what Hollywood needs after countless DC and Marvel projects (including the upcoming Joker sequel Joker: Folie à Deux). This superhero parody is just as good as Marvel and DC films (it may even be better than most of them).