Written And Directed by Martin McDonagh
Padraic (to Colm): "Some things there's no moving on from and I think that's a good thing."
If you've ever lost a friend or found yourself almost excommunicated from a friendship circle, then this might be the movie for you. They say a man is an island but try being a man on an island surrounded by other dull men. That seemed to be something of a point to this movie.
Nice but admittedly dull Padraic Suilleabhain (Colin Farrell) found himself in the position where life long friend, Colm Doherty (Brendan Gleeson) no longer wanted to spend time with him on the count of Padraic being dull. A simple premise that took rather dark turn as the movie progressed, given Padraic's determination to save his friendship with Colm.
Colm's reasons for not wanting to spend more time with Padraic don't entirely portray him in the most positive light but Padraic's lack of boundaries when told that Colm didn't want to be his friend didn't exactly do him any favours either. It even got to the point where Colm not only threatened to cut his own fingers if Padriac kept pestering him, but Colm ended up delivering on that promise with some rather alarming consequences for Jenny the Donkey, who was my favourite character in this movie.
Both Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson give some career defining performances here with both Padraic and Colm's falling out impacting nearly everyone around them. It's implied throughout the movie that Colm suffers from depression, yet it's not the reason why he doesn't want to be Padraic's friend any more. Sill though, given Colm liked writing music, cutting off his own fingers to emphasise a point wasn't the best way to get it across.
Naturally the death of Jenny the Donkey spurred Padraic into revenge and he certainly took in quite an extreme fashion. Fortunately by not killing Colm's dog but by burning his house to the ground instead. In the end, it didn't really resolve anything and it's safe to say that things didn't entirely improve with either Padraic or Colm. I guess there's some things in life you don't move on from.
Of course, while both Padraic and Colm are the centre of this film, there are two other characters who are also given some wonderful moments to shine. The first being Padraic's sister, Siobhan (Kerry Condon), who while sympathetic for her brother's plight was also smart enough to get off the titular island and make a life for herself elsewhere.
The second character then would be more emotionally immature but likable Dominic (Barry Keoghan) who suffered abuse from his Garda father, Peadar (Gary Lydon) while also having some brilliant scenes with both Padraic and Siobhan as well as a genuinely tragic outcome towards the end. Keoghan along with Condon also delivered a truly memorable performance here.
- There was a Banshee in the form of the old woman, Mrs McCormick (Sheila Flitton) who predicted the two deaths in this film.
- Irish viewers will recognise comedy duo, the D'Unbelievables who had minor roles here.
- Standout music: Some nice score music from Carter Burwell as well as Brendan Gleeson's performance of the movie's title.
- Chronology: April 1923, taking in parts of the Irish Civil War.
The Banshees Of Inisherin is a gloomy but interesting look at two very different men and their dissolving friendship. It's a brilliant film, filled with great character moments and wonderful performances from all four main players. Not to mention a very bittersweet ending.
Rating: 9 out of 10
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