Written and Directed by: Martin McDonagh
Cast: Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Kerry Condon, Barry Keoghan
The Banshees of Inisherin is described as a “Black Tragicomedy.” This film is so relentlessly sad and funny at the same time. I left needing to just sit and digest. It was the first film to make me feel like I should arrive at the cinema emotionally prepared. With that in mind, The Banshees of Inisherin was a movie that left me feeling horrible about life, yet it’s an excellent film!
Banshees is based in Ireland and is shot on location in Ireland. Shooting locations include “Achill Island,” “Keem Bay,” and “Inishmore.” Each setting in Banshees is visually stunning and fun to watch.
While the film is set entirely in Ireland, the crew has said they did not want the film and its soundtrack to lean too heavily solely into Irish culture. This decision is evident because the Banshees score is a masterful achievement and truly helps carry the film. It’s one of the few things in the film that stays consistently upbeat yet still somehow matches the film’s overall tone.
The Banshees of Inisherin begins in 1923. During the impact of the Irish Civil War, our two main characters Pádraic (Farrell) and Colm (Gleeson) end their friendship. This decision however is one-sided and is the main story of the film. Rounding out the cast is Padraic’s sister Siobhan (Condon), and Dominic (Keoghan) who is the son of the town “Garda” which is the Isle’s policeman.
The story of Banshees primarily follows Pádraic as he struggles with the loss of his friendship with Colm. When Pádraic asks for an explanation, Colm can only say that Pádraic is too boring. Furthermore, Colm expresses that he wants to leave behind a tangible legacy for himself via music. Unfortunately for Pádraic that does not include him.
Seeing as the setting is an Isle containing a small village no one understands the choice at first. As the film progresses, the weight of life and one’s life choices begins to put immense pressure on each character. As the tension begins to build, each character and the film’s tone becomes bleaker and bleaker. While still maintaining its humor from start to end, Banshees truly is both a comedy and drama at the same time with neither genre overtaking the other.
The Banshees of Inisherin is a film that is straight to the point and is paced very well. Additionally, the story paints a great allegorical picture of Civil unrest and Civil war. It is clear that within the Isle of Inisherin, there are people with many different viewpoints. Despite these differences they consistently compromise themselves for the sake of peace. But how long can one comprise their true nature for someone else?
Watching this journey play out throughout The Banshees of Inisherin is masterful and I truly think Banshees is a top contender for each award category it is nominated. With strong performances, visuals, and scoring Banshees is a 5 out of 5 star film in my eyes!
