Writer-director Mirrah Foulkes has described “Judy & Punch” as a “bat-shit crazy origin story about the Punch and Judy puppet show.” After seeing it, I’d attest to that, but would also liken her feature debut to a demented fairy tale. With its dark subject matter and rich sense of irony, it’s reminiscent of original Hans Christian Andersen and Brothers Grimm stories — but is presented through a decidedly feminist lens.
Chances are you’ve seen the Punch and Judy puppet characters at one time or another, even if they weren’t specifically referred to as Punch and Judy. The story has evolved with time, but tends to center on Mr. Punch and his encounters with other characters, namely his wife, Judy. Punch is depicted as lovable buffoon or scamp, yet is most famous for beating Judy and the others, often with a stick. He’s also been known to hit or drop his and Judy’s baby.
In other words, the traditional Punch and Judy story is far from enlightened, yet has managed to stand the test of time. Its violence has softened over the years, but its history is steeped in misogyny and domestic-abuse-as-shock-value.
Foulkes faces the odious realities of the Punch and Judy stories, as well as culture’s continued love for the show, head-on in her film. Along with introducing us to Judy (Mia Wasikowska), Punch (Damon Herriman), and other classic characters from the puppet show, “Judy & Punch” deals directly with the historical persecution of women, such as stonings and witch hunts; social ostracism of anyone perceived as different; and society’s tendency to reward mediocre men, while ignoring or diminishing brilliant women.
In this reimagining, spouses Judy and Punch run a marionette show together. Punch is a charming host, when he lays off the booze, and Judy takes care of basically everything else. They’re happy enough until the day Punch, in a drunken stupor, does something horrific, unforgivable. This version of Judy — who, obviously, is afforded much more nuance than her puppet counterpart — wants to take revenge against her husband, but also knows that won’t mend her broken heart.
Like the original Punch and Judy show, “Judy & Punch” offers raucous, chaotic entertainment — but, unlike its predecessor, it does so with depth and a conscience. It is, indeed, a fairy tale, so hyperbole and absurdity abound. Yet the film takes its conflicts seriously, without ever becoming self-serious. Punch is a clown, but a dangerous one. Judy’s a good person who considers doing something wrong for the “right” reasons. As such, the film provides no easy answers. No matter the decision she makes or the power she reclaims, Judy will never fully be rid of Punch or the pain he inflicted. And the legacy of their puppet show and its misogyny will live on — in the world of “Judy & Punch” and our own.
“Judy & Punch” is now available on VOD.
