Punch (2023) (BLU-RAY REVIEW)
Director: Andy Edwards
Starring: Kierston Wareing, Jamie Lomas, Alina Allison
RATED: UR/REGION A/1:78/1080P/NUMBER OF DISCS 1
AVAILABLE FROM Allied Vaughn
Trying to move on with her life, a teen returning to a small town with her feuding family and old friends tries to catch up with them about what they’ve been doing since she’s been away, but when the festivities are crashed by a masked killer has to find the reason for the rampage and stop him.
Where “Punch” falters slightly is in its pacing; there are moments when the narrative feels stretched, leading to minor dips in momentum. Some scenes linger longer than necessary, which might challenge modern audiences’ shorter attention spans. However, this indulgence in moments of stillness is often forgiven as it invites deeper reflection on the very British slasher journey.
Cinematography plays a vital role in “Punch,” with each frame meticulously crafted to echo a pretty cool looking landscape in which our protagonist navigates. The use of lighting creates a sense of authenticity and intimacy, drawing the audience closer to the character’s poignant experiences. The rich color palette reflects the emotional ups and downs seamlessly, making even the simplest moments visually arresting. The feel and the vibe are made better with how this one looks. Even if you don’t like this modern slasher, you should at least like that.
Alina Allison’s performance is the cornerstone of “Punch.” The supporting cast offers commendable performances, although at times some characters risk becoming one-dimensional. Fortunately, Allison’s powerful presence tends to overshadow these minor shortcomings. Every thing else here is sort of by the book, but a lot of people will go into a movie like “Punch” in today’s film landscape looking for something by the book.
