Renowned New Zealand filmmaker Welby Ings unveils a poignant and nuanced portrayal of a teenage boxer’s journey of self-discovery in his debut feature film. The narrative unfolds in a small seaside town where homophobia looms large, and ‘fa**ot’ serves as a routine term of abuse. Jim, the protagonist, prepares for his inaugural professional boxing match under the guidance of his English father, Stan, a former boxer grappling with alcoholism and disillusionment.
Jim’s character, portrayed convincingly by Jordan Oosterhof, straddles two worlds. He is part of the sports fraternity, hanging out with the ‘sports bros,’ yet he nurtures a budding passion for photography, revealing his gentleness and curiosity. Jim’s secret world is further unveiled when he stumbles upon a hideaway den constructed by a classmate, Whetu, played by Conan Hayes, who is an outsider on two fronts, being both gay and Māori.
In the face of town bullies and pervasive homophobia, Whetu courageously and defiantly embraces his queer identity. While the film occasionally grapples with unsettling instances of homophobic hate crimes, director Welby Ings handles these scenes with sensitivity, avoiding gratuitous or exploitative portrayal.
“Punch” seamlessly blends elements of a gay coming-of-age drama with those of a sports movie, leaning more towards the former with its dreamy, wistful cinematography and nostalgic atmosphere. Though it may lack the high-octane energy typically associated with boxing films, it delivers an emotional punch that resonates deeply with its audience. The film’s delicacy in conveying emotions is nothing short of captivating.
Mark your calendars for the release of “Punch” on November 13th, when it will be available on digital platforms and DVD, offering viewers a chance to witness this evocative and thought-provoking cinematic journey.