For many casual film fans, the idea of watching a period movie brings to mind tales of pomposity and regality. However, that couldn’t be further from the case in the upcoming period film, “Judy & Punch.”
As seen in the new trailer for “Judy & Punch,” the film does feature a period setting but tells a story of a drunken puppeteer, Punch, that revels in the crowd’s love of his crude, violence-filled performances. However, when the violence of his shows bleeds over into his domestic life with his wife and son, things get a bit crazy. Now, his wife, Judy, is out for revenge.
We saw “Judy & Punch” when it premiered at this year’s Sundance. In our review, we said, “Ultimately, ‘Judy & Punch’ doesn’t hit squarely in the target, but hints at interesting conversations on prejudice, domestic abuse, and powerful individuals lacking integrity. As one watches and ponders whether to laugh or gasp from one scene to the next, some of these inquiries do emerge strongly from its convoluted haze.”
The cast includes Mia Wasikowska, Damon Herriman, Tom Budge, Benedict Hardie, Lucy Velik, and Terry Norris. The period film is directed by Mirrah Foulkes, who is probably best known as an actress, who has recently appeared in series such as “Mr. Inbetween” and “The Crown.” This film marks her feature film writing and directorial debut.
“Judy & Punch” will arrive in theaters in the UK on November 15. A US release has not been announced.
Here’s the synopsis:
In the rough-and-tumble town of Seaside (nowhere near the sea), villagers flock to Punch and Judy’s marionette theatre. Though Punch (Damon Herriman) proclaims himself the greatest puppeteer and his beating stick rouses cheers from the crowd, it’s Judy (Mia Wasikowska) who breathes artistry into the otherwise crude show. But during a drinking bout and a tragic mishap with their child, the hot-tempered Punch brutally beats Judy, leaving her for dead in the woods. Taken in by Doctor Goodtime and a society of outcasts, Judy plots her revenge.