Judy & Punch

Judy & Punch (2019) takes viewers back to the 17th-century town of Seaside, which, through a quirky twist of the narrative, is located nowhere near the sea. Directed by Mirrah Foulkes in her feature debut, this gritty, darkly comedic film takes the classic puppet show "Punch & Judy" and gives it a surreal revival on the big screen.

The film stars a talented Australian cast including Mia Wasikowska as Judy, a skilled puppeteer, and Damon Herriman as her husband, Punch, a gifted but flawed entertainer. Both work together in their puppet theater bringing joy and spectacle to the residents of Seaside, gaining a certain level of celebrity status. Together, they have a dream to make their puppet show "the greatest show on earth." The film also features performances by other talented actors, such as Daisy Axon, Don Bridges, and Michael Papas.

In the town of Seaside, eccentric characters and medieval superstitions abound. The town is a place of witch-hunts and rampant paranoia. Amidst this macabre setting, the film centers on the tumultuous relationship between Judy and Punch. The intriguing dynamic between these characters is marked by a shared creative vision, a battle for control, and underlying currents of domestic unrest.

The film, Judy & Punch, is a roller-coaster of dark humor and horrifying realism, driven by strong performances and visually enthralling set pieces. Foulkes cements her directorial prowess by creating a rich, gothic world filled with intriguing characters and imbuing the narrative with a surreal, almost fantastical atmosphere. Satire and slapstick humor coexist with insightful socio-political observations, making Judy & Punch a singular viewing experience.

Mia Wasikowska shines as the strong-willed, resilient Judy, whose multi-layered character enchants viewers. She delivers a performance marked by strength, determination, and a burning desire for retaliation. Damon Herriman, as her capricious, volatile husband Punch, presents a character that is both repulsive and fascinating in his inconsistency. Herriman provides Punch with just enough vulnerability beneath his repugnant exterior that audiences cannot take their eyes off him.

The strength of this film lies not only in its intriguing dark comedy approach and the historical twist on 'Punch & Judy', but also in its exploration of gender roles and power dynamics, which are as relevant today as they surely were back then.

The filmmaking captures the best of the theatrical performances, complete with magnificent costumes, carefully choreographed puppet shows, and a magical, immersive set design. Amid the jester hats and masquerade masks, Foulkes presents a hilarious yet haunting reinterpretation of one of the most classical and controversial puppet shows in history.

The score, composed by François Tétaz, adds another layer to the film's rococo aesthetic, underpinning moments of suspense with heart-thumping percussion, then switching to whimsical melodies that capture the story's inherently comedic energy. The music creates a tension-building soundscape, adding significant drama to particular scenes, including the puppet shows. These elements, woven together, build a deeply engaging, atmospheric backdrop that keeps audiences glued to their seats.

Viewers should brace themselves for an unusual cinematic experience. With Judy & Punch, Foulkes shows immense creativity in reshaping a controversial classic into a tale of resilience and devout resistance. She offers a bold, subversively comical, and biting satire of the Punch & Judy puppet shows, where the woman is boxed into a corner but emerges stronger, taking charge of her narrative.

Despite the dark humor and satirical elements, Judy & Punch is a film that also manages to deliver a potent and timely comment on society's prejudices, the appalling manifestations of power, and the struggle for independent identity. This film represents a new take on the period-drama genre and is a must-watch for those who appreciate a visually stunning, thought-provoking movie, dripping with dark comedy and social commentary.