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For centuries, people around the world have gathered around to watch puppeteers perform the classic Punch and Judy shows, featuring two puppets and their slapstick antics. It’s not quite as common anymore—but even if you’ve seen the show in person, you’ve probably never seen the story quite like it’s portrayed in Judy & Punch.
Judy & Punch is set in the dreary village of Seaside, which is nowhere near the sea. Puppeteer Punch (Damon Herriman) is desperate to be discovered by scouts from London, who will make him a household name. But, until then, he and his longsuffering wife, Judy (Mia Wasikowska), are stuck performing for the rowdy villagers, who love their violent puppet shows as much as they love a good public stoning. But when Punch lets his vices take control of him, their story turns tragic—and Judy sets out to get her revenge.
It should come as no big surprise that a movie inspired by a classic show involving puppets hitting each other with sticks would be dark and violent and gruesome, too. The town of Seaside itself is known for its gleeful acts of violence. Hangings and stonings are events to be celebrated with a carnival-like atmosphere. And the shows put on by Professor Punch (and his talented wife, who does much of the work and gets none of the spotlight) are attended by rowdy crowds who revel in every beat of the stick. But it goes beyond that—and the violence soon comes to Judy, too.
Of course, there’s more going on here than just a story about violence and revenge. It’s a quirky and disturbing story about society’s fear of (and often abuse of) things and people who are different. It’s a tragic story—and an unfortunately timely one.
Still, the tone of the story is bewildering. At times, it plays in a darkly comical way. At other times, it’s just plain eerie and disquieting. It might be magical, or it might not be. It might be playful, but it might also shame you for laughing. So while it’s certainly an intriguing—and meaningful—film, it’s also a perplexing one.
Judy & Punch has a lot to say about living side by side with people and accepting their differences. But it shares its messages in a way that sometimes feels awkward and even confusing. And the shifting tone might make you wonder what it is that you’re watching.
Listen to the review on Reel Discovery:
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