Judy & Punch (2019), directed by Mirrah Foulkes

There is a fairytale quality to this reimagining of the Punch and Judy puppet show. The setting is long ago and far away, in a country town possibly in 17th century Europe. All the familiar characters are present – the dog, the baby, the policeman, but there is a twist in the traditional tale of alcoholism and family violence. Writer/director Mirrah Foulkes makes it a story of overcoming prejudice and groupthink, as well as vengeance on a violent and manipulative abuser. Mia Wasikowska and Damon Herriman are terrific as the title characters dealing with love gone wrong. The film is beautifully shot, with an almost dreamlike quality that is at odds with its sometimes brutal content. Interesting and entertaining, this is yet another example of an Australian film that did not receive the distribution or attention it deserved.