JUDY & PUNCH

'JUDY & PUNCH' TRAILER

This mix of tone is expertly balanced by Mirrah Foulkes, in her feature film debut. Having also scripted the story, she juggles the more violent and confronting elements by utilising the gorgeous cinematography, the perfectly-pitched comedy, a carefully crafted score and songs, and the patchwork of styles even within the period setting.

Following its Australian premiere at the Sydney Film Festival, Foulkes explained, “When I decided to make the film period, I also decided at the same time I could break any rules, as long as we were very particular about what the rules were. It was basically an exercise in world-building, and saying okay, this is the world and it should feel like nothing we know."

Aside from the themes already touched upon, 'Judy & Punch' looks at the issue of persecution - in the case of Seaside, the literal persecution of witches, almost entirely for the townspeople’s’ enjoyment - and yet by the end, the detriment is seen to be to the persecutors themselves. This certainly offers some direct parallels with the world in which we currently live.

The world is brought to life by its cinematography, aided by its stunning setting. Filmed outside of Melbourne and in Victoria’s Dandenong region, the film looks about as European as Australia ever has on the big screen. Cinematographer Stefan Duscio and Foulkes deliberately tried to use longer Stedicam shots, which allows us to become a part of this world, whether wandering around a campsite or delving into a fistfight.

The final and yet most essential element is the cast, and for them to be able to play into this world that Foulkes has built. Mia Wasikowska is utterly wonderful as Judy, both as the downtrodden victim of domestic violence and the Phoenix determined to show Punch justice. As such, it’s important that the audience is on side with her brutal revenge, and Damon Herriman allows this by delivering a deplorable, narcissistic character. Every decision he makes is self-centred, with no concern for another soul around him.

It’s always fantastic when an Australian film is a success, and even more so when there’s a female filmmaker at the helm. However, for something as unique and fresh as ‘Judy & Punch’ to come from Australia makes me genuinely proud. A period story with a message that’s vital to current society, Mirrah Foulkes is an exciting young storyteller, and I can’t wait to see what she has in store next.

Click here to read our 4.5-star review of 'Judy & Punch'.

To celebrate the release of 'Judy & Punch' in cinemas, we're giving you the chance to win a double pass.

To win one of five double passes thanks to Madman, just make sure you follow both steps:

Competition opens at 5:00pm AEDT on Sunday 10th November 2019 and closes at 11:59 pm AEDT on Sunday 17th November 2019. Five winners will be chosen at random on Monday 18th November 2019. To successfully win, entrants must fulfil the above entry conditions before the time the competition closes. Current members/followers are eligible to enter the competition. Only one entry per person. Only one winner per household. To be a valid winner, the entrant must not have won a prize from SWITCH within the last 28 days. Each winner will receive one double pass to 'Judy & Punch'. By entering, you agree to receive occasional emails from SWITCH in the future. If you decide to unsubscribe from these updates, any further entries will not be applicable. Only Australian residents are eligible to enter.