Translate presents: The People’s Joker15

Directed by Vera Drew | USA | 2022 | 1h 32m | Starring Vera Drew, Lynn Downey, Tim Heidecker, Bob Odenkirk, David Liebe Hart, Phil Braun

In a dystopian Gotham City where comedy is outlawed, Joker the Harlequin, a painfully unfunny aspiring clown, struggles with her gender identity while chasing a spot on a government-approved late-night sketch show. As mainstream success remains out of reach, she bands together with a group of comedy outcasts, setting her on a collision course with the city’s fascist caped crusader. Subjected to studio pressure both before and after its 2022 premiere, including canceled screenings over trademark disputes, Vera Drew’s absurdist, autobiographical comedy is poised to become a defiant queer cult classic.

Reviews

‘A true original – Vera Drew is a superstar in the making. Takes on many targets, and nails each and every god damn one of them. You have to see it to believe it’
★★★★★
Violet Lucca, Little White Lies

‘Unlike many comedies — alternative and mainstream — The People’s Joker is not so in love with its own satire to rob it of any emotional truth. Underneath the satirical madness lies a genuinely moving story of self-acceptance.’
★★★★
Jude Dry, IndieWire

Translate is a monthly evening social for the Trans, Non-binary, and Queer communities in Oxford, where people can come together, make new friends, relax and have fun! Translate takes place at the Jolly Farmers every 4th Thursday of the month.

Sorry - you missed it!

We showed Translate presents: The People’s Joker between March 26, 2025 and March 26, 2025.

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What else is on?

Tomorrow (Thursday 31st July)

15:45

Elio PG
1h 38m
Pixar’s newest hero is a lonely boy catapulted into the cosmic spotlight. Mistaken for Earth’s ambassador, Elio must charm aliens, conquer fears, and find himself in a galaxy of wonders. A vibrant, heartfelt tale of belonging across the stars.

Book here

18:15

Metropolitan 15
+ Director Q&A
1h 38m
In Whit Stillman’s acclaimed debut, upper-class friends debate politics in a Manhattan apartment until a sharp outsider disrupts their bubble. Celebrated for its satire, the film was nominated for Best Original Screenplay. Director Q&A follows this screening.

Book here

21:00

Metropolitan 15
+ Director Intro
1h 38m
In Whit Stillman’s acclaimed debut, upper-class friends debate politics in a Manhattan apartment until a sharp outsider disrupts their bubble. Celebrated for its satire, the film was nominated for Best Original Screenplay. Director Q&A follows this screening.

Book here


Friday 1st August

16:00

Elio PG
1h 38m
Pixar’s newest hero is a lonely boy catapulted into the cosmic spotlight. Mistaken for Earth’s ambassador, Elio must charm aliens, conquer fears, and find himself in a galaxy of wonders. A vibrant, heartfelt tale of belonging across the stars.

Book here

18:15

Clueless 12A
+ Intro
1h 37m
Cher, a fashion-forward teen in Beverly Hills, rules her school with style and confidence, until love complicates her charmed life. This clever, modern reimagining of Jane Austen's 'Emma' turns teen comedy into sharp satire.

Book here

20:30

Friendship 15
1h 41m
What begins as a quirky bromance spirals into a hilariously dark tale of obsession and unraveling sanity. Comedian Tim Robinson shines in this off-kilter comedy about loneliness and the awkward terror of modern male connection.

Book here


Plan your visit

Our beautiful art deco inspired auditorium can be found just off East Oxford's Cowley Road. We are open 7 days a week. We open the cinema and box office 30 minutes before the scheduled start time of each film, and the Box Office then closes 10 minutes after the film starts. We don’t show adverts, just a couple of trailers, so don't be late as the film itself starts very close to the advertised time!