Jim is preparing for his first professional fight but begins to rethink his life's trajectory and his sexuality after tangling with Whetu, a gay Maori boy who spends his days in an old shack down by the beach.
In a gritty boxing gym, a former world champion, struggling with aging and personal demons, agrees to train a promising young boxer. As their bond deepens, the mentor's past actions and the intense pressures of the sport threaten to derail both their futures.
Punch received a mixed to positive reception from critics, with particular praise directed towards Tim Roth's performance and the film's raw, character-driven narrative. Some reviewers found the pacing uneven, but many appreciated its unflinching look at the struggles of athletes and the complexities of mentorship.
Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the strong acting, particularly from Tim Roth, and the film's realistic depiction of the sport. Some viewers felt the plot could have been more engaging or faster-paced, but the emotional depth was frequently highlighted.
Nominated for Best Actor (Tim Roth) at the British Independent Film Awards.
The director, Jasper Mildstone, drew inspiration from his own experiences with amateur boxing in his youth when crafting the film's gritty atmosphere and character dynamics.
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