The Banshees of Inisherin
review by Bobby Blakey
Director Martin McDonagh has had an impressive career so far with films like In Bruges, Seven Psychopaths, and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. Now he is reteaming with his In Bruges stars Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson for the film The Banshees Of Inisherin co-starring Kerry Condon and Barry Keoghan. Could this be a friendship worth trying to repair or is it too far gone to be fixed with a beer?
The Banshees of Inisherin follows lifelong friends Pádraic and Colm, who find themselves at an impasse when Colm unexpectedly puts an end to their friendship. A stunned Pádraic, aided by his sister Siobhán and troubled young islander Dominic, endeavours to repair the relationship, refusing to take no for an answer. But Pádraic's repeated efforts only strengthen his former friend’s resolve and when Colm delivers a desperate ultimatum, events swiftly escalate, with shocking consequences.
Being a massive Colin Farrell fan it was no surprise I was excited to see the film, but even more so to see the reteaming with Gleeson. I wasn’t sure what to expect from the film, but with McDonagh at the helm there was no doubt it was going to be unique and it delivers on all fronts. The story wastes no time to setting it all up right out the gate with the Irish countryside offering up a beautiful backdrop with infusion of violence on the horizon.
This element speaks volumes to not only what the people are witnessing in their beautiful peaceful home while a wars is waged in the distance. This also serves as a metaphor to the craziness that is building close to home with these two men who were clearly once best of friends. The reasoning behind
their conflict it so simple that you wouldn’t think it would cause much issue other than disappointment, but passion and irritation takes hold taking it in some unexpected bloody directions.
Believe it or not this is a dark comedy and really funny throughout, but there are moments of loss and sadness that make it so much more. Both Gleeson and Farrell are better than ever here. Farrell is pretty much leading the charge as a simple man who just longs to know why his best friend doesn’t want to talk to him anymore. You feel his sadness and frustration through the whole film and understand why he can’t let it go.
Gleeson on the other side is a menacing presence that looks like the guy that would hit you rather than talk, but offers up the most culture. It becomes more obvious why he is ready to move on from their relationship and you can’t help but understand and get as frustrated as he does with the situation. All of this would usually just lead to a lot of hilarious arguments and scuffles, but here it takes a darker and more violent direction that is both baffling and perfection.
I had no doubt that the film would deliver with the cast and director at the helm, but had no idea just how great it would be. I loved every moment of this movie and glad to see that its getting the award recognitions it deserves.
In addition to the film this release offers up bonus content including deleted scenes and a featurette taking you behind bringing this film to life. Grab your copy of The Banshees of Inisherin available now on digital, Blu-ray and DVD Searchlight Pictures.
