[1] It follows Arthur Fleck, a failed stand-up comedian whose descent into mental illness, nihilism and crime inspires a violent countercultural revolution against the wealthy in a decaying Gotham City during the early 1980s recession.

The film is loosely based on DC Comics characters and stars Joaquin Phoenix as Fleck (the Joker), with Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, Frances Conroy, Brett Cullen, Glenn Fleshler, Leigh Gill, Bill Camp and Shea Whigham in supporting roles.

Joker premiered at the 76th Venice International Film Festival on August 31, 2019, where it received an eight-minute standing ovation and won the Golden Lion.

[12] Joker garnered awards and nominations in various categories, with particular recognition for Phoenix's performance, Hildur Guðnadóttir's musical score, Phillips's screenplay, and Lawrence Sher's cinematography.

It received a further 11 nominations at the 73rd British Academy Film Awards, winning Best Actor in a Leading Role (Phoenix), Best Original Music (Guðnadóttir) and Best Casting.