In the town of Seaside, which is nowhere near the sea, Judy (Mia Wasikowska) and Punch (Damon Herriman) perform their marionette show for the locals. Punch longs to be spotted by talent scouts that will take him to the “Big Smoke” where they have previously failed due to his prodigious drinking problem. Judy on the other hand just wants him to keep his promise of staying on the straight and sober. 

Judy and Punch is a black comedy from debut writer/director Mirrah Foulkes and I have to say is quite a unique and fun watch. I am sure it will not come as a surprise that Punch is unable to keep his promise to Judy, but the scene where he destroys her trust in him is gripping and left me with my jaw on the floor. 

References to the classic Punch and Judy show are dotted throughout the film, including the policeman, sausages, a little dog and even the crocodile. The credits even give us a view of children’s reactions to the early Punch and Judy shows which are very funny. 

Under the surface the story also looks at the idea of mob culture by way of the witch hunts and given the current social media world of “cancel” culture it seems quite prescient. Perhaps in troubled times our societies will always fall into its worst behaviours? 

Judy and Punch features strong lead performances, a darkly black sense of humour and a quirky and fun storyline. I really recommend it.