Punch (2022) – A Quietly Powerful Coming-of-Age Story

Punch is a thoughtful and emotionally layered drama from New Zealand that blends the intensity of sport with the quiet complexity of self-discovery. Directed by Welby Ings, the film centers on Jim (Jordan Oosterhof), a talented young boxer raised by his strict, hard-drinking father (Tim Roth). But Punch isn’t just about boxing — it’s about the internal fight we all face when trying to live our truth.

Jim’s world is shaken when he meets Whetu (Conan Hayes), a free-spirited newcomer who is unapologetically himself. Their friendship, filled with gentle curiosity and tension, becomes the emotional heartbeat of the film. As Jim starts to confront his feelings — both for Whetu and for his own future — Punch sensitively explores the push and pull between expectation and authenticity.

What sets the film apart is its honesty. It doesn’t rely on stereotypes or melodrama. Instead, it offers quiet moments of reflection, compassion, and courage. The rural New Zealand setting adds a raw beauty to the story, contrasting the isolation of its characters with the openness of the natural world.

Jordan Oosterhof delivers a subtle and moving performance, capturing the confusion, vulnerability, and resilience of a young man at a personal crossroads. Conan Hayes brings warmth and quiet strength to Whetu, whose presence challenges both Jim and the world around him.

Punch is not just a film about identity — it’s a film about connection, growth, and standing up for who you are, even when it’s hard. It reminds us that strength comes not from fists, but from honesty — and that the bravest thing we can do is embrace our true selves.