It's the mid-17th century in the tiny town called Seaside (incidentally, nowhere near the sea). Worn out by poverty, the lives of Seaside's town folk have spiralled into violence, mob rule and God-fearing hysteria.

Amongst the chaos, one glimmer of artistry remains: Punch and Judy's marionette puppet theatre. While the townspeople revel in the drama and brutality of trials and executions, the charismatic Punch (Damon Herriman) and his prodigiously talented puppeteering wife Judy (Mia Wasikowska), endeavour to use their show to escape with their new baby to loftier means.

Judy is clearly the superior puppeteer and possesses the skill and dexterity of a great artist, but it is Punch who owns the limelight. A loveable narcissist with a dangerous penchant for the bottle, his ambition and egomania are the antithesis of Judy's gentle, practical nature.

Fuelled by ale and adulation Punch is caught out by Judy in the tavern, heavily drinking and in the company of apparent mistress, Polly (Lucy Velik).

Hell bent on vengeance and retribution, darkness descends over Judy, who must right the wrongs of Punch and the entire town of Seaside in an act of vengeance befitting her true nature.

Tickets $14 must be booked through Eventbrite. See www.tareefilmsociety.org.au or call 6552 3476.