Whereas American cinema is riddled with slasher movies and killers, there is little representation of the popular sub-genre in the United Kingdom. When it comes to horror, Britain is better known for its werewolves, folk and Hammer horror productions. That the country is missing out on an iconic killer or two feels like a squandered opportunity. British writer and director Andy Edwards agrees and with his latest film, Punch, is trying to create the UK’s answer to Jason and company.
Punch received its world premiere in August 2023 when it opened up the Discovery screen at FrightFest. Since then the film has continued to pick up fans on the festival circuit and now arrives in homes available for digital purchase. As a British answer to the slasher movie, Punch works really well, and having the villain be a murderous version of the Punch puppet from Punch and Judy is effectively creepy.
The story joins ambitious student Frankie (Alina Allison – Cuttlefish) as she returns to her hometown to visit her troubled Mum, Julia (Kierston Wareing – Fish Tank). However, with her mum’s creepy new man, Elton (Jamie Lomas – The Wind That Shakes the Barley), on the scene, she can’t wait to leave the Kent coast for good and see the world.
Set for a final night of fun with her pals before she goes on her merry way, it’s party time… but a night of dancing quickly turns to gore galore and the young locals are about to get more than they bargained for when an old folk tale becomes all too real. Mr Punch is on the prowl and the fearsome pulverising puppet won’t stop until he’s done his worst, but who is he, why is he creating chaos on the shores and could there be more sinister forces at work? As the carnage escalates, can Frankie survive the brutal bashings and the twisted truth?
Ahead of the release THN spoke with Edwards to learn more about how the idea came to fruition, why Britain needs an iconic slasher killer, and whether Mr. Punch will be back for a sequel…
Punch is available on Digital now.
