“Judy & Punch,” a peculiar and unsettling fairy tale set in a dark period, offers an insightful perspective (and a striking assertion) regarding sex and violence within popular entertainment, alongside the swiftness with which collective anxiety can escalate into brutality. This unusual story involving puppets, domestic abuse, homicide, witchcraft, and retribution draws from the traditional 16th-century Punch and Jud…

A fascinating socio-political study blending proto-feminism with dark comedy. The debut feature from Australian actress turned writer/director Mirrah Foulkes, developed from an idea by English actress Lucy Punch and her brother Tom (a seemingly playful nod to the subject matter), _Judy & Punch_ presents a fictional account of the early years behind the well-known puppet show. It’s essentially an examination of pro…

It brings a real sense of joy whenever an Australian film achieves recognition, and it’s even better when a woman is directing. The fact that something as original and inventive as ‘Judy and Punch’ originated in Australia fills me with considerable satisfaction. This historical narrative carries a message that's particularly relevant to modern times, and Mirrah Foulkes appears to be a promising new voice in filmmakin…