The Banshees of Inisherin - 2022
Rating - 15
Runtime - 114 mins
Written and directed by - Martin McDonagh
Starring - Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Kerry Condon, Barry Keoghan
The Banshees of Inisherin is a 2022 black comedy-drama, created by British-Irish filmmaker Martin McDonagh. Starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson, who previously starred together in McDonagh‘s directorial debut In Bruges back in 2008, now trade the backdrop of Belgium for the west coast of Ireland. The story is set in 1923 on a small, fictional island called Inisherin, away from the line of fire and conflict of the ongoing Irish civil war. Local musician Colm (Gleeson) abruptly ends his friendship with Pádraic (Farrell), claiming he is too dull and wants to spend the remainder of his life focusing on his music and his lasting legacy. Confused by this sudden turn of events, Pádraic seeks solace from Siobhan (Kerry Condon), his headstrong, intelligent sister and Dominic (Barry Keoghan), his troubled and dim young friend, he tries to get to the root of the problem, which leaves a drastic effect on both Pádraic, Colm, and the entire island.
The main subject the film deals with is conflict, on both a large and small scale, both physical and psychological, and how it affects the people involved and the people around it. There is also the loneliness caused by this seen in different ways through all the characters in the story. Though the story may seem simple from certain points of view, there is a fantastical element surrounding the film's approach to death, mortality and existentialism seen through its use of imagery around mythology and war. The film's title, which is also the title of the musical piece Colm works on throughout, references the mythical banshee: a mysterious fairy in Irish folklore who wails to signal death.
The Irish west coast is captured beautifully, featuring the tranquil landscapes of Inishmore, the Aran Islands and Achill Island. McDonagh has a unique style in his direction, distinctly his on either stage or screen. Along with the direction, the film relies heavily on its intimate story, which is strongly written and manages to masterfully weave between dry, witty comedy and melancholic drama. The humour is written exquisitely and the dramatic moments perfecty hit the mark. The confessional scenes are very funny and the argument in the pub is one of the most emotional scenes in the film.
While it may be a small one, the cast perfectly fit in their roles, and collectively give some of the best on-screen performances of 2022. Colin Farrell gives an outstanding performance, which has earned him a Golden Globe, as well as an array of other awards and an Oscar nomination. The pairing of Farrell and Gleeson is always a win and they are a joy to watch on screen together. Kerry Condon and Barry Keoghan have been praised highly for their performances and both won BAFTA’s for their roles, which is definetly well deserved.
Over the ongoing awards season, The Banshees of Inisherin has been a main contender for major awards, up against films like Elvis, The Whale, and Everything Everywhere All at Once. Winning three Golden Globes and four BAFTA‘s (including Best British Film), it is also up for nine awards at the upcoming Oscars (mostly in major categories), which sets the record for the most nominations ever to be received for an Irish movie in Oscars history.
The Banshees of Inisherin is a standout release from the past year. It’s one of the most interesting and well crafted films of 2022, practically flawless in its execution, which stands out from the rest as a unique tale of friendship and loss.
Score - 8/10
The Banshees of Inisherin is available to stream on Disney+ and now available on DVD and Blu-ray.
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