‘That’s the way to do it’
Punch is a 2023 British horror slasher film in which a young woman is stalked by a mysterious killer in a Mr. Punch mask.
Written, directed and co-produced by Andy Edwards (Midnight Peepshow; Ibiza Undead; Three’s a Shroud; Blaze of Gory; Grindsploitation: The Movie). Also produced by Rebecca J Matthews [aka Becca Hirani].
The Paranoid Android Films production stars Kierston Wareing, Jamie Lomas, Alina Allison, Faye Campbell, Macaulay Cooper, Daniel Fathers, Sarah Alexandra Marks, Mark Sears, May Kelly, Dani Thompson, Becca Hirani, Ayvianna Snow, Dan Robins, Adele Marie, Emily Milburn, Thomas R. Atherton and Lucas Paternott.
Plot:
Before returning to university, Frankie (Alina Allison) wants one last night out in her coastal hometown. But it’s not just friends, family and ex-boyfriends that don’t want to see her leave…
Local bogeyman Mr. Punch (Mark Sears) is stalking the town and knows just the way to do it. As the carnage escalates, Frankie and her friends must fight to stay alive…
Reviews:
“The Punch character himself is pretty eerie, sporting a squeaky voice, uttering a series of sotto voce one-liners like a more embarrassed Freddy Kreuger. In some ways, Punch acts as a kind of animated spirit of the violence that lies vaguely hidden beneath the surface of the town, which is underlined in the film’s rather unexpected ‘twist’ ending.” Bloody Flicks
“While it certainly has its flaws, Punch still proves to be a memorable and thought-provoking entry into the minuscule plethora of British slasher movies. Fans of the slasher subgenre will certainly need to seek it out when it eventually receives a general release. While it lacks any truly original kills, the film still presents viewers with believable and sympathetic characters.” ★★★½ Dread Central
“The sheer scale of the body count here will thrill lovers of traditional slasher movies, and it makes more sense than in most other such tales because most of Punch’s victims are far too wasted on drugs or alcohol to put up a fight […] Although the overall atmosphere of the film is downbeat, Edwards appreciates that we need moments of relief, and the ribald, playful humour of revellers supplies it amply, also adding to that sense of what is real and what does not belong.” 4 out of 5, Eye for Film
“The sound design of Punch’s voice is a bit troublesome as, taking into consideration the British accent, it makes it a bit difficult to understand what he is saying at times. If you’re a slasher movie fan, Andy Edwards’s Punch is sure to satisfy. Solid cast, excellent production values and an ending that creates a potential for a sequel.” Fears Magazine
“There’s a thin line between comedy and horror and Mr. Punch walks that line like a finely trained tightrope acrobat […] There’s always been something fiercely creepy about a Punch and Judy Show and Andy Edwards does a really good job of showing that. I almost wish he went even further with it as it does end up feeling a bit generic.” The Fright Club
“Much of the atmosphere and attitude will resonate far more with Brits than it will with those not familiar with the seaside towns and the history of “Punch and Judy”. While that shouldn’t be a turn-off, it’s not a stretch to expect some folks to lean that way which would be a shame because they’d be missing out on one of the best slasher flicks to come along since Terrifier gave Art the Clown his own starring vehicle.” The Good, the Bad and the Verdict
“Although Punch has several slivers of intrigue, it is a little rough around the edges. It could be argued that this aligns with themes of the film itself, but the clear modest budget does on occasion distract the viewer […] Nonetheless, the marriage of new ideas and subgenres helps keep Punch on track, and ultimately present genre audiences with a fun British slasher.” 3 out of 5, The Hollywood News
“A prolonged chase, which dominates the second half, struggles to create momentum. Watching Frankie slowly jog from one location to the next, with Punch periodically showing up to taunt, I was tempted to write the film off. But I applaud Edwards for winning me back with a smart and subversive final act that ties everything together and offers plenty of scope for sequels.” 3.5 out of 5, Horror Cult Films
“Strong characters that have the look of depressing dark clouds and radially in the faces that trap them in the bleak world. The cast all works well, with action, however, repetitive moving quickly towards an ending that perhaps you would not expect.” Horror Screams Video Vault
“On a long night, Punch offs a lot of people – with hints that he might be part of a larger movement, in which oppression of the young by the old or the marginalised by the affluent is involved … though there’s little of the anarchist spirit of the traditional puppet here, even if a policeman does get bludgeoned and a crocodile mask and some sausages are significant props. It’s kind of a downer, but performances are fine…” The Kim Newman Web Site
“It’s fun to see someone take the old slasher genre and give it a fresh twist, and for me especially fun to have it be a British location for a change […] and adding in the possible tradition/folkloric element of this unusual and unique (and often as creepy as he is entertaining) character like Mr Punch just gives more depth to the film, while the good use of those closed-up, out of season seafront locations imparts a distinct style and atmosphere to the whole film.” Live for Film
“Punch offers a unique take on British slasher horror, blending traditional puppetry with contemporary societal commentary. While it occasionally stumbles in its execution and character development, it’s a good idea that delivers an entertaining thought-provoking experience […] If you’re in the mood to check out a fresh and daring addition to the British slasher scene, Punch is worth a watch.” ★★½ Love Horror
“There are unique kills using items around the famous Punch and Judy shows. This embraces everything English and throws it into a slasher movie. Alina Allison is great in the leading role and is surrounded by a strong supporting cast. Punch is a great British slasher movie.” ★★★★ Movie Reviews 101
“There’s partying, frolicking and brutal deaths, all of which fail to hit the mark. There’s humour too but all too often there is a slight pause in the delivery, a wee beat that means that the moment hangs for a little longer than necessary and nullifying the desired effect. The same can be said about the film’s cat-and-mouse chase towards the end.” 3 out of 10, My Bloody Reviews
“While this piece of social commentary works well, what unfortunately falls short here is a typical selling point of slasher films, the kills. While the aforementioned icons had their favoured weapon to raise the body count with, they also regularly mixed things up with various other methods. As Mr. Punch sticks to using his baseball bat in repetitive and uninventive ways, the kills sadly become one of the film’s less effective inclusions.” ★★ Nerdly
“While the film resonates more deeply with a British audience due to its cultural underpinnings, its exploration of societal decay and the conflict between tradition and modernity is universally relatable. Punch is a fun new addition to the slasher genre and a thoughtful reflection on contemporary Britain, making it an essential watch for horror fans and cultural commentators.” ★★★ Overly Honest Reviews
” …in drawing on the centuries-old puppeteering tradition of Punch and Judy that is associated with domestic abuse, sadistic cruelty, violent misogyny and the worst excesses of patriarchy […] writer/director Andy Edwards is tying his cinematic murder set-pieces to an art form embedded deep in the English psyche, and revealing something very wrong with the state of the nation. This seaside town is a microcosm of modern (Brexit) Britain, where the older generation steadily dismantles the opportunities and freedoms, hopes and dreams of the young…” Projected Figures
YouTube reviews:
Trailer:
Clip:
Initial release:
Punch had its world premiere at the 2023 FrightFest in London on August 24, 2023. In the US, Punch was released by ShineHouse on digital and VOD on January 16, 2024.
Filming locations:
Clacton-On-Sea, Essex, England
Hastings, East Sussex, England
Notes:
Not to be confused with the 2022 Tim Roth boxing film about a teenage gay Maori or the 2002 Sonja Bennett movie about female boxing.
More Andy Edwards movies:
MIDNIGHT PEEPSHOW Reviews of British horror anthology – with more reviews and striking poster
IBIZA UNDEAD aka ZOMBIE SPRING BREAKERS (2016) Reviews and overview
Related:
PUNCH & JUDY (2023) British horror based on seaside puppets – trailer
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