Famous puppeteers Judy (Mia Wasikowska) and her husband Punch (Damon Herriman) live in the town of Seaside. A strange place that is located nowhere near any sort of coastline, the town and its inhabitants are in thrall to a frenzy of witch hunts and superstition. But while the townspeople revel in the drama of the various trials and punishments, Judy and Punch provide welcome distraction with their magical puppet show.

However, temptation can be found in every dark corner of Seaside, and the charismatic Punch succumbs to the women, the ale and adulation that await him at the local tavern. Despairing at her husband s weakness, Judy forces the hungover Punch to focus on his responsibilities and leaves him to mind their baby for a morning, the repercussions of which lead to an ill-fated turn of events that Judy must avenge...