"Welcome to the Punch", directed by Eran Creevy, is a 2013 thriller feature film following the narrative of a veteran detective and the challenges he is forced to overcome as he attempts to bring a notorious criminal to justice.

The narrative follows a linear, chronological structure but it is not initially clear how many protagonists or antagonists there are within the film - or who they are - as the audience's perception is forced to change as the narrative progresses.

In regards to the "Seven Plots" theory, it can be considered that "Welcome to the Punch" relates perhaps most obviously to man versus man. This is because, in a literal sense, the characters are seen physically fighting each other but also in the sense that the main protagonist - Max Lewinsky (James McAvoy) - is evidently battling his own demons and insecurities. For example, the biggest of Max's insecurities that is explored throughout the film is that of being ashamed that he could not stand up to a criminal; the initial antagonist, Jacob Sternwood (Mark Strong). This relates to the theme of insecurity.


In terms of other themes, the theme of love is explored in a number of ways. For example, the love of a family is presented as the love between a father and son - Jacob Sternwood and his son Ruan Sternwood (Elyes Gavel) - but also the love of a friendship and romantic relationship - between Max Lewinsky and Sarah Hawks (Andrea Riseborough). In contrast, the theme of loss is also shown through these very two relationships. For example, when Ruan dies, signifying a loss between the father and son, and when Sarah dies - Max's loss.

The theme of corruption is explored most effectively through the events of the narrative and how some of the highest positions in the police force resulted in being some of the antagonists towards the end of the film. This is representative of the corruption of power and how being an authority figure allows one to sweep things, metaphorically, beneath the carpet if they don't want them to be found, something that happens in reality.

The cinematography within the film is used effectively to relate to the genre. For example, the use of low key lighting, high contrasts and cool midtones are each conventions of a thriller genre, used within cinematography to create a negative atmosphere.

Whilst it is widely considered a thriller, there are also many elements of action (car chases, fight scenes) that make the genre an action-thriller hybrid. This might cause some to argue that the film is actually predominantly an action film, rather than a thriller, but I consider the use of non-diegetic music, cinematography and generally the unpredictable nature of the narrative to debate that it leans more towards a hybrid genre than purely action.

Overall, whilst I enjoyed the film, I feel as though the characterisation wasn't developed enough for the audience to feel any emotional connection with the characters. Scenes that were supposed to be emotional lacked that because the audience wasn't aware of enough details, backstories or motives that the characters possessed.