Judy And Punch

The title shrewdly hints at the plot of this grimly comical 17th-century morality tale.

Inspired by the infamous, gratuitously violent and misogynous puppet show, Punch And Judy, the film invents puppeteer couple, Punch (Damon Herriman) and Judy (Mia Wasikowska), who work a marionette show. Punch is an ambitious, self-interested, philandering drunk, whose explosive rage results in an unthinkable tragedy and the near-death of Judy. She is restored by a gypsy group of outcasts and is galvanised by a need for vengeance; he shamelessly frames his elderly servants who are condemned by the townspeople.

It’s set in a fictitious town called Seaside which is nowhere near the sea – part of the wry humour. The location is stunning, matched by wonderful cinematography.

All of the performances are very good, with some excellent character roles.

The music is a mix of modern songs and more period-appropriate pieces and it doesn’t always work, but overall, it’s a thrilling, thoughtful film, with some timely messages.

★★★ ½