THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN REVIEW

 *MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

Set on a remote island off the west coast of Ireland, The Banshees of Inisherin follows lifelong friends Pádraic Súilleabháin (Colin Farrell) and Colm Doherty (Brendan Gleeson), who find themselves at an impasse when Colm unexpectedly puts an end to their friendship. A stunned Pádraic, aided by his sister Siobhán (Kerry Condon) and troubled young islander Dominic (Barry Keoghan), 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. 

With In Bruges, Seven Psychopaths and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, writer/director McDonagh has established himself as one of the most interesting filmmakers working today. With each of his films, he succeeds at balancing witty and dark humour with meaningful and character driven drama and that’s definitely the case with his latest film, The Banshees of Inisherin, which sees him reuniting with Farrell and Gleeson. The majority of the film focuses on their characters, with Farrell’s Pádraic desperately trying to repair his friendship with Gleeson’s Colm, who suddenly ends their friendship as he finds Pádraic dull. McDonagh effectively explores the theme of friendship in a realistic way. Because of this, it’s not surprising that The Banshees of Inisherin has been well received by critics since its premiere at the Venice Film Festival in September, with the majority of them describing it as McDonagh’s “finest work”. I can’t imagine those who enjoyed In Bruges and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri being disappointed with what he’s created with The Banshees of Inisherin.

Both Farrell and Gleeson have impressed with their acting talents, especially the former who, in the last year alone, has delivered outstanding performances in films such as The Batman, Thirteen Lives and After Yang. Farrell’s role as Pádraic in The Banshees of Inisherin represents one of his very best as he delivers a deeply moving portrayal of a man who is clearly heartbroken by the end of his friendship with Colm. In my opinion, I think that Gleeson is one of the most underrated actors who has delivered both comical and serious performances. Although Colm isn’t the most likeable of characters, he is, undoubtedly, one of the most memorable and interesting. While The Banshees of Inisherin is at its best when it’s focusing on Pádraic and Colm, the supporting cast all leave a lasting impression, including Kerry Condon as Pádraic’s frustrated sister, Siobhán, and Barry Keoghan, who is a scene stealer as Dominic. 

Those looking for a feel-good, laugh out loud comedy will not find it with The Banshees of Inisherin as, while McDonagh has a unique sense of humour, it’s mostly a serious and realistic exploration of friendship between two flawed adult men. This makes McDonagh all the more admirable as a filmmaker as it proves that he’s not afraid to show viewers with a deep insight into the dark side of someone’s personality. This was true of his previous films, In Bruges and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and it’s undoubtedly the case with The Banshees of Inisherin.

At the 91st Academy Awards, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri received a total of seven Oscar nominations including Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay, with Frances McDormand and Sam Rockwell winning for their performances. Although it’s difficult to say for certain whether it will be nominated, I think that The Banshees of Inisherin deserves to be recognised by the Academy, as it’s one of the best films of the year and features impressive work from both the talented cast and its skilful filmmaker.

8/10