The Banshees of Inisherin (2022) User Reviews

This is a tough one to review...

[goshin34 · 7/10 · 25 December 2022]

I think, perhaps, you have to be in a certain mood to watch and appreciate this film properly. Patient, but alert and attentive to catch the subtleties of the slow-burn plot.

Oh...I should mention it is very Irish. If you don't know what that means, well... watch the film and you'll get a glimmer.

The acting and scenery are marvelous, as others have noted. The plot as a metaphor for the Irish Civil War and so on.

The strange sudden "unfriending" and the bizarre twists and turns it takes as a commentary on human nature and isolation amid a tedious present and an uncertain future.

There's no hand-holding and you have to read between the lines to understand it well. The humor is dry, dark and subtle, sprinkled in by small doses.

I suppose I must have been in the right mood to appreciate it, and largely absent expectations (other than that there would be good acting, which was so).

People expecting more of a comedy will be disappointed, I think, as will those expecting a light-hearted or uplifting conclusion.

Still, I thought it was quite interesting, and certainly different.

Funny, Sad, and Lonely Film

[evanston_dad · 8/10 · 15 November 2022]

"The Banshees of Inisherin" is an idiosyncratic blend of funny, sad, and more than anything lonely, acted by one of the best casts of the year.

Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson are two friends who have a falling out because one simply doesn't want to be friends with the other anymore. Why? Because he's become aware of how quickly his life is slipping by and he doesn't want to waste it on dull people. The other takes offense, obviously, and starts out trying to win the other back until his friend's obstinance causes his simmering animosity to boil over.

At first I was relating to Gleeson's character because I've felt like him. Life is too short to spend on relationships that don't add value. But as his behavior gets more and more extreme and.....well....let's just say out of hand (wink, wink), we start to realize how unwell he is and sympathies shift to Farrell's character. Until we start to realize how selfish he actually is and how much his own actions are driven more by wanting to be liked than by concern for his friend. And that's one of the things I liked most about the movie. These are characters dealing with the existentialism inherent in being a human being living on the planet, warts and all, and we see ourselves in all of it, both the good and the bad. Though set in the 1920s, this very much felt like a film inspired by the isolation and loneliness brought about by a global pandemic.

The standout of the cast is Kerry Condon as Farrell's sister. She's an antidote to the male angst pervading this little Irish village. While the men are content to stew and whine and complain about dull pointless lives that they don't do anything to change, she gets fed up with how boring they all are and decides to grab her own bit of happiness. Also good is Barry Keoghan as perhaps the film's most heartbreaking character.

And lest everything I've written above makes this film sound dour and depressing, did I also mention that it's very very funny? Funny in a Martin McDonagh way, to be sure, but it'll have you chuckling if you get his particular vibe.

Grade: A.

A thought-provoking story of helplessness

[clauzy82 · 8/10 · 26 October 2022]

It is a well told dark comedy that keeps you wanting more, in a time when Ireland was full of despair, not long after the war of Independence and a long-suffering period that brought about a post-colonial inferiority complex (still hasn't been addressed to this day), a struggle for an identity, a repressive church, superstitions, isolation, mass emigration, poverty and to top it all off a brutal civil war. This film does a great job to put you in the psych of the time and to top that off the cinematography, costumes, music and atmosphere are wonderful. The film is itself a bit of a conundrum, on one hand it leaves you thinking nonstop about the story and the premise, while on the other hand you feel cheated by its abruptness.

Pádraic ó Súilleabháin (Colin Farrell) is just a nice man who struggles to deal with losing his friendship with Colm Doherty (Brendan Gleeson) and the further loss he endures. Colm, himself is in a fight against time and his age. The dark struggle of helplessness or despair is rife on the Island, but the story telling is done so well it comes across uplifting at times with light-hearted comedy sprinkled on top. Siobhán ní Súilleabháin (Kerry Condon) is a rock to Pádraic, but she is herself tied to the antics of the Island and Dominic Kearney (Barry Keoghan) must suffer with his own demons while he searches for love.

Both leads Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson knock it out of the park, but the two shining stars for me were Barry Keoghan and the beautiful Kerry Condon. I thought the film was going to take a turn for the D'Unbelievables at one point when Pat Shortt who plays Jonjo Devine and Jon Kenny who plays Gerry pop up on the screen, but after a brief scare they turned out to be a good addition to the banter and gossip in the pub scenes.

It's not perfect and lets you down in a few areas. Some of the dialogue feels out of place especially for the part of Ireland and the time period, which was a shame, as it transports you out of the screen and back into the cinema (this seems to be a modern trend with period film). The setting was also a bit too squeaky clean; brand new clean clothes, polished teeth, shoes galore, fresh faces (apart from Colin Farrell who did look like he spent years working in the elements) the poverty of the time could have been showcased a bit more.

My wife and I both enjoyed this film immensely. Any fan of dark comedy, this film is a must see with a word of warning: I would be aware if you are going to see this movie and you are emotionally fragile, that it does tap into the dark side of your brain and leaves you in deep thought when it is finished.

8/10.

An original, powerful movie.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 8/10 · 9 September 2023]

After years of friendship, Colm decides that he no longer wants to engage with, or even talk to his former friend Padraic. Padraic refused to accept being shunned, and pursues Colm, who promises some extreme retaliation.

It's a film that gives you hope for the future of film making, truly original, funny, dark, it's like no other film I can think of. Worlds away from what I've seen on the big screen for some time. You don't know whether to laugh or cry, it truly doesn't follow any of the usual rules.

It is such an unusual, but pretty fascinating story, how on Earth can two grown men, two adults that have been friends for a long time, suddenly drift apart, becoming feuding strangers? It does actually happen. The main question here, is what changed, what pushed Colm to this point?

A story of ego, pride and stubbornness, it shows how something small can get out of hand, and escalate into something huge.

The characters are so rich, not just the two leads, but the likes of Mrs McCormack and the shopkeeper are great.

Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell are terrific, it's the best films Farrell has done for years. Barry Keoghan steals several scenes, he's brilliant.

The visuals are breathtaking, the landscapes, the shots of the animals are tremendous.

8/10.

Colin Farrell Deserves All The Awards In The World

[varun-25071997 · 10/10 · 21 October 2022]

5 years after his brilliant dark comedy "Three Billboards, Outside Ebbing, Missouri", Martin Mcdonagh directs another brilliant tale about Friendship, Ambition and Loneliness. The Banshees of Inisherin is the best a Mcdonagh movie has ever looked, every scene has a visual landscape setting and color tone is completely balanced.

The movie revolves around 3 arcs and all the 3 have their perfect conclusions and intersect cleverly. It's one of the best writing you will ever see. Like 3 Billboards there is a perfect blend of humour and tragedy. The stories revolve around Colin Farrell coming to terms that his best friend doesn't want to do anything with him, his sister played by Kerry Cordon trying to find the ultimate purpose in her life and Dominic played by Barry Keoghan, who is living a worst life possible.

Colin Farrell has been doing some great work over the last 20 years and this is his Eureka, Eureka moment. The Banshees of Inisherin is the best movie of the year so far and deserves both commercial and critical acclaim. Very rarely movies that satisfy everyone are made, this is one of them.

Epic battle between kindness and silence

[olon-55702 · 9/10 · 7 September 2022]

Are those who live on islands human beings like everyone else? This film clearly tells us no: the island, an enclosed place where everything is concentrated and which the surrounding sea keeps compressed, deeply affects its inhabitants and permeates them with itself, sickens them with its own disease. The latest film by Englishman Martin McDonagh (in his 4th feature film, with 3 films behind him, all of which are top-notch) is absolutely superb: for storytelling ability, for location (evocative, rocky Irish island), for the brilliance of the screenplay (let's face it: McDonagh writes really well!), for acting (impressive Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson, also excellent Barry Keoghan and Kerry Condon). The story is told of Padraic (Farrell), good and kind, who, overnight, loses the consideration of his greatest friend, Colm (Gleeson). Why? Because I don't like you anymore, because you're boring, Colm replies to him, and I don't want to waste my time with you anymore. And Padraic, who is not as sharp and intelligent as he would like to be but is esteemed for his courtesy and good spirits, does not understand this. Colm, who plays the violin and composes music, is obsessed with the passing of time, with the need to indulge his art in order not to be forgotten. His art demands total exclusivity from him, leaving no room for the banality of feelings. But is this the real reason, or is Colm going mad? At this point, what follows is a jeu de massacre between the two ex-friends, surrounded by various minor characters that McDonagh knows how to connote with felicitous psychological notations and a keen sense of humor. And then there are the animals, almost sacred emanations of the island, loved and respected, more than human in their affective reactions. And there is the war, distant but present, of which ominous explosions are heard in the distance. And finally there is the old witch, a representation of Death that rivals even the Bengt Ekerot of "The Seventh Seal." In short, a beautiful and poignant film like few we see. Not to be missed!

A Shakespearean masterpiece

[Couchkik20 · 10/10 · 14 October 2022]

It's hard to tell if this is a wonderful dark comedy or a a Shakespearean tragedy. Served by a magistral group of actors and actress, "Banshees" takes you to stunning Irish landscapes and numbs you with its comfortable scenery, cute farm animals and lovely violin tunes in the good old pub... Until men display a classic story of pride and stubbornness.

Like a dark children tale, the movie seems to be a metaphor of the stupidity of war and humanity's contradictions. Collin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and a scene stealing Barry Keoghan are just wonderful at creating those flawed and unique men spiraling into their destiny. While Kerry Condon as the reasonable woman represents perfectly the fatality of this world.

Martin McDonagh created a fantastic piece of filmmaking, a sadly very timely message that I would love to see adapted as a play.

Maybe I missed the point

[Cornish_pirate · 6/10 · 28 October 2022]

I couldn't tell if it was trying to be profound, subtly comedic, thought-provoking or all of the above. It kind of failed at all of them.

I don't think it deserves the praise it has received - it was okay, it had some mildly amusing moments but it had one storyline which doesn't really go anywhere and I soon lost interest. In Bruges was superb and I watched again in advance of going to see this. Maybe I shouldn't have, as this just doesn't get anywhere near it for comedy, warmth or character development.

The acting is brilliant, the scenery is spectacular, but I just didn't get it. It was... okay.

Two Tribes...

[Xstal · 8/10 · 30 November 2022]

You've played together, endured the weather, for many years; but something's changed, you've been estranged, gears now sheared; the reason seems completely mad, you've not done anything that's bad, the situation's quite bizarre and very weird. So you persevere, keep holding out your hand, but all that does, is cause the flames, to be more fanned, out of spite your friend wont linger, raises more than a mid-finger, it's like you've been black balled, suppressed, banished and banned. More diplomacy results in loss and pain, while there's nothing to be won, you won't refrain, the lines have now been drawn, only one thing this will spawn, it's as avoidable, as it's stupid and insane.

Reflecting the friction and war taking place over the water, and the reasons for it, with four outstanding performances, although Barry Keoghan absolutely knocks it out of the park, a film to get you thinking about what it means to get along, and the repercussions when two tribes don't, even over the most trivial of torments.

Ultimately unsatisfying

[jeffpsy · 6/10 · 15 December 2022]

The Banshees of Inisherin was an unusual movie, featuring gorgeous vistas, on-point acting and haunting music. However, it was ultimately unsatisfying because it never really rose above a persistent, downbeat nihilism.

I took the movie as a kind of allegory on human irrationality and miscommunication, seen vividly on the mainland during the Irish Civil War, and in microcosm in the relationship between Padraic and Colm.

It was also an extended study on the wages of untreated mental illness, as Colm chose to do nothing to treat his "despair" (that is, depression), and instead wreaked havoc upon himself and his erstwhile best mate.

My problem with Banshees is that the great movies that reflect the insanity of the human condition, at the end of the day, still have something redemptive about them. The great anti-war, movies-Bridge on the River Kwai, For Whom the Bell Tolls, MASH, Atonement-all deliver some form of redemption amid the pain. Banshees only leaves one feeling hopeless at the end. The very bleakness of the movie unfortunately drags it down.

My sweet Jenny

[beatrice_gangi · 10/10 · 16 September 2022]

Martin McDonagh has made an extraordinary film in so many ways, starting with the brilliant theatrical script and the performances of all the main actors involved: Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Barry Keoghan, and Kerry Condon. This also applies to all the supporting roles.

The humour is brilliant, the film is extremely funny but also meaningful and difficult to interpret, at times shocking and quite unpredictable. It is hard not to empathise with the characters and their vicissitudes. At the end of the screening, more then receiving answers, I felt I had learnt and witnessed something important, even though I couldn't immediately point what. A beautiful film that triggers deep reflection.

Don't expect this to be as good as the reviews hype.

[benjaminmann · 6/10 · 1 November 2022]

Super locations. Great photography. Masterful Production design. The acting is world class. So why didn't I enjoy this film? Because it promises to say something and goes nowhere. I'm obviously in the minority here but I wish my expectations hadn't been raised so high. It's dark but a slow almost empty darkness. I'll forget this film very quickly. Which is a good thing for me but doesn't say much for the quality of the story. It feels like there was much more there somewhere but it didn't make it out. Perhaps watching it on a rainy Monday evening didn't help. Also please don't go thinking this is a comedy or anything at all like 'In Bruges'. It's very far from funny. It's very far from the quality of that film.

Bloody Hell!

[douglasmcbroom · 5/10 · 15 December 2022]

I gave it five stars: one each for the main actors and one for the location. It was marvelously acted. Brendan Gleeson, Kerry Condon and Colin Farrell were all outstanding, but I thought Barry Keoghan delivered the best performance.

That said, other than the stunning scenery, it was deadly dull and dreary. Stupid really. An inexplicable turn on a friendship; never explained; and never resolved.

It seemed more like a play to me than a film. A bunch of disconnected plot strands that leave you wondering why this film has received the good reviews it has received. Was it worth watching? The answer to that is as unresolved as the plot.

Simple and surprising

[nixymail · 8/10 · 25 March 2023]

Enjoyed this far more than I expected. The plot feels both incredibly simple and deeply symbolic. So much so it leaves you pondering it's meaning long after the credits roll.

What's better - to lead a simple but honest, good life or be remembered for something deeper and more far reaching - and indeed why should there be a choice between the two?

The love for the animals gives the characters a sweet charm and innocence, and they're all still likeable despite strangeness and flaws.

It is strange, at times funny, poignant, sweet, and most certainly watchable. Great acting all round and a breath of fresh air.

Waiting for Godot in Inisherin

[honeydonthink · 9/10 · 8 October 2022]

Saw the film last night at the Mill Valley Film Festival and was immediately transported to a different time and place where the people bend to the will of the landscape.

It's a lyrical film full of rich language and irony that stays with you. The performances are each and every one remarkable, the cinematography bewitching and the musical score seals the deal.

There's a mythological quality to be sure and characters transform unexpectedly in bits of whimsy that suddenly portend a darker streak running through the countryside.

Kudos to the director for creating this very Irish (yet universal) story.

The Somber Melody of a Solitary Island

[adamgeraghty-51989 · 9/10 · 17 January 2024]

What a film. I can't say it will sing to you like it did to me, but it's a rich story that does have something to say but knows mostly knows how to keep it simple but not thoughtless. It's got great performances and plenty of scenery that I can't help but enjoy.

Out of all the films I've watched over the year, this one might have the simplest story. In the most basic bare bones way of putting it; Colm (Brendan Gleeson) doesn't want to talk to Pádraic (Colin Farrel) anymore, but Pádraic wants to talk to Colm and that annoys Colm. That's pretty much the first half of the film and most of the second. The location is pretty desolate as it takes place on an island somewhere in rural Ireland. It also takes place somewhere in the early 20th century and there is a civil war going on, but because of the location being in the middle of nowhere that has little to no effect on the plot whatsoever and could just as easily be written out in a heart beat.

Now, not to give you the idea that this is a bad film. None of this deters the film from being good and it is not a hindrance but actually aids the film. The location is visaully strong in its green fields and stony walls that connect everyone there in one way or another. Provide the perfect background for the type of story as the simple squabble is the only thing going on for miles around and even though their motivations are simple, the characters are not. Though Colin and Brendan are the core driving force of the film, there are plenty of actors who perform at the best of their ability. Barry Keoghan plays Dominic, an impaired man who is almost always looking for trouble but is a good companion of Colin. Then there is his sister who brings some common sense which in a film like this it's lacking. That's not even mention of the Garda, the bar tender and the ghoul. Each and every member of this cast has a part to play in this symphony.

I may not have made it clear due to the mopeiness of the film, but this film is a comedy, a dark comedy, but a comedy all the same. This can be lost on first viewing as all the information you're getting is delivered in a serious way and the film mostly isn't looking to get laughs as it's very much a dramatic film but once in a while it will put a smile on your face.

It may seem like the story is plain and clear and it isn't without a twist or turn but there's one or two, and this isn't from elements brought into the story like that civil war, but that story reaches that point natural like a snowball rolling down the hill getting bigger and bigger. It does shock you a little on first viewing as you may be under the impression this film has no stakes or causality. It's almost refreshing if a film can surprise you, especially with a seemingly stale story.

I'll cut my review short before I reveal too much as I imagine this is enough to prompt you to watch the film. My opinion is a but strong as I resonated with this film, but it's still good and definitely worth watching.

A deep exploration of the loneliest parts of being a human

[kgermano · 10/10 · 19 December 2023]

If you have seen this movie there is nothing that needs to be said about the acting or the cinematography, they're both near perfect. All four of the main characters shine as much as any of them have in their careers, especially Collin Farrell and Kelly Condon.

Many movies have great acting and cinematography, but what puts this movie over the top is the layers and expiration of each character. Colin Farrells characters journey dives into the feeling of losing a friend unwillingly, which is a horribly sad experience, as expressed by Farrell. Farrells character is left with no concrete answer as to why his friend left and this sends him down a spiral similar to the 7 stages of grief, but with a much more frustrating reality which is his old friend is perfectly fine and just decided to turn his back on him. Farrell perfectly shows us the sadness, confusion, and futile attempts to patch things up.

Gleasons character on the other hand shows the depressing thought of wasting one's life. Gleasons character, who broke his friendship off with Farrell character, initially comes off as an irrational, but as you peel back the layers the full picture starts to come together. Gleason deflects his sadness and anger towards himself to Farrell. This stems from his loneliness, and disappointment in his life to this point. This is clearly shown by Gleasons wonderful performance, who shows us a clearly talented and intelligent man who has likley lived his whole life on this island with no wife, just a dog. Gleasons character doesn't want to be responsible for the life he's made for himself, so he blames Farrell. In reality there was nothing stopping him from drinking with his buddy and writing music, or even saying let's not get drunk 7 days a week so i can make my music. On some level Gleason knows this so he makes up the rule about his fingers so he can have a real reason to blame Farrell. Gleason empathy after accidentally killing the goat shows the lack of hate in his heart, and finally the scene where he's waiting for his house to be on set on fire Gleasons lonely expression projects that he may let the fire take him too.

Keoghans character shows the completely depressing reality of mental health and suicide. His character seems to be Farrells side kick for the whole movie, as his story seems to fall into the peripheral. This is a perfect representation of how he felt. Farrell only hangs out with him because his actual friend left him, and mostly only talks to him about his old friend. Sense Keoghans demeanor was mostly positive, Farrell never gave his mental health a second thought, although many signs were there. Keoghan asking out Condons character was ultimately a last ditch effort to get his life back on track, and watching that scene a second time knowing this is so tragic. This is the best acted scene in the movie.

Condons character is what balances this movie perfectly. She is maybe the only character who isn't completely depressing, as she is always shown to have a level head and logical thinking, hope and kindness. She seems to be the only one to point out how unfair Gleason is being. Ultimately her intelligence gets her off the island as it seems no one else ever can. She is a testament to how sticking through tough times and staying level headed could make your situation better.

There are plenty more layers to this movie which makes it great on a 2nd 3rd and 4th rewatch and endlessly thought provoking. The fact that this is all done with just one relatively simple storyline is an absolute marvel of writing and acting. This movie is not for everyone as many won't be able to relate to a friend leaving you unannounced, a friend committing su*cide, or the feeling of your life passing before your eyes with nothing to show for it. For those who can't relate the movie is still visually stunning with a great story and some very darkly funny moments.

Sorry I called all the characters by their actors names as I haven't watched this movie in about 5 months. No matter how long it's been this always tends to pop in my head as an extremely concise, densely layered, beautiful movie.

Superb Acting but Little Else

[Athanatos173 · 6/10 · 14 December 2022]

I sat down prepared for an outstanding movie, what I got was nothing close to what I was expecting.

As my title states, the actors could not be faulted in any way, as I found them to be superb, having me hooked with their interactions. Colin Farrell with the most screen time simply shines, having me wish he were more prolific in projects. Brendan Gleeson also does a stellar job, as does Kerry Condon. Even the other minor characters were well written and very well acted by their respective actors. I can't think of a single actor who did a poor job, heck even the animals did a good job. Excellent cinematography as well.

However, while the dialogue was extremely well written, the script itself was somewhat lacking. I kept waiting for the payoff during the movie that simply never came, making me wonder what I just watched.

Go in for the acting and you will not be disappointed, however the overall story might let you down.

Wild, incredible, shocking and beautiful

[screens_reignsw · 10/10 · 17 September 2022]

The Banshees of Inisherin welcomes the audience right from the start, to this breathtaking, remote island. The windswept panoramic views are accompanied by Irish song, and is quickly met with the reality of how isolated this island is. In the background you hear the civil war on the mainland, but the contrast is immediate to a life so close yet so separated.

The casting is superb, with Colin, Brenden and Kerry all giving award worthy performances.

The perfect balance that Martin McDonagh has mastered between shock, heartfelt sadness and comedic relief is perfectly matched and executed my Barry Keoghan. Barry is the glue that holds this film and all of its elements together. His character, Dominic has the elements, but Barry's performance may be one of the greatest of all time.

This must see film has you at the edge of your seat in anticipation with one eye shut, makes you laugh; feel the loneliness that the characters are feeling and the love and heartbreak of both man and beast.

Promises broken

[neil-476 · 7/10 · 26 October 2022]

It is 1923 and the Irish civil war has not reached the small island of Inisherin. 40-something Padraic lives with his sister, eking out an agricultural living, and spending what appears to be quite a lot of spare time at the pub with his best friend for years, olderman and fiddle player Colm. Then, one day, Colm tells him that he doesn't want to be friends any more, without providing any sort of reason (he does later). Padraic is devastated and confused and persists in bothering Colm for understanding in the face of Colm's blunt statement that we wants Padraic to leave him alone.

I loved Martin McDonough's In Bruges and Three Billboards (Seven Psychopaths had its moments), and Colin Farell and Brendan Gleeson easily find their In Bruges chemistry again. The cinematography, sets and locations, are bleak and beautiful, the acting from all the cast is great, and the script, often funny, thoughtfully ruminates on friendship, loneliness, isolation, mortality, stubbornness, and various other related concepts.

Yes I was disappointed. Why? The synopsis above comes from the trailer, and although the story of these two once-friends does progress further, there are two things it never does.

One, it never explains Colm's decision. Colm gives his reasons but, frankly, they are irrational, as are his subsequent actions. I can understand Padraic'ss frustratiin, because I shared it. None of it made sense unless an external agency was at work - depression, dementia, psychosis, witchcraft...

Two, it never resolves. The two obvious resolutions would have been reconciliation or tragedy, but the film never gets as far as either, which left me dissatisfied.

This film, to me, broke its promises.

Brilliance in Storytelling

[conradvreenen · 10/10 · 13 September 2022]

The setting, characters and story are all excellent in the film. It is a testament by todays standards when a movie can tackle such complex and nuance human relationship themes and individual characteristics that the viewer can at least find commonality in any of the main portrayals.

Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Kerry Condon and Barry Keoghan all could be nominated for their excellent performances.

This realistic depiction of friendship and island life of a close knit community is captivating to witness, while the darker undertone of humanity that seeps its way into the story is haunting to watch but never lets go of your attention.

If you enjoy the beauty of film and storytelling, then this film is for you.

Good but not great

[Moviedude90 · 7/10 · 17 December 2022]

In response to those saying there's no 'purpose or plot resolution', that's the point-this was one giant metaphor for how civil wars start and 'finish'. This is evident by the last interaction, when one says the ira and free Irish with stop soon because there was pause, and Colin's character responds that it won't end and that's a good thing.

This was the writer's attempt to depict civil wars as pointless beginnings that escalate to the point of useless bloodshed, and that escalated into perpetuity until there's nothing left to kill or destroy.

I still think there could have been a more succinct and deliberate ending, but his sister leaving and both men having nothing (even less than what they started) with no resolution or even addressing the original problem was the whole point of the metaphor. At the end of civil wars, no great resolve happens, no one is left with more than they started with, and all that's left is a melancholy spirit and despair.

The trailer doesn't lie.

[jonorandolph · 4/10 · 22 January 2023]

Every so often, there is a movie that you don't want to see, but every critic you follow says it's good and has it on their top 10, or 5 list for the year. So you choose to open your mind and try something you don't think you will like, because first impressions are often wrong.

My gut was right. Banshees of Inisherin was pointless, uninteresting and a waste of time, if you like it, I'm happy for you. If you see the trailer and think that looks good, it will be, the trailer is very tonally accurate. I kept telling myself "get on with it" and it just ends. No resolution, sort of a Greek tragedy but here, unlike most Greek Tragedies there is nothing worth walking away with. I gave it 4/10 because the acting, cinematography, production were all very strong.

There were some funny moments and I laughed 3-4 times, but everyone is just sad and frustrated at everyone else.

"It was all going fine till he chopped off all his fingers."

[classicsoncall · 9/10 · 18 December 2022]

At a time when uniquely creative movies are virtually impossible to find, here's one that's so original in concept you'll wonder what sort of mind came up with the idea. To call "The Banshees of Inisherin" a black comedy would be somewhat of an understatement, but if you pay attention and listen very closely, almost every line of dialog is understatedly hilarious, but set within a context so dire that the effect is muted by the desperation and solemnity of the characters. The film almost becomes depressing at times, as Pádraic Súilleabháin (Colin Farrell) attempts to come to grips with the sudden loss of friendship with drinking buddy Colm Sonny Larry Doherty (Brendan Gleeson). It all boils down to a simple statement by Colm - "I just don't like you anymore" - but as the story progresses, we come to a better understanding of the dynamic at work with the older Colm and his devastated friend Pádraic, who's insistence in trying to understand what's happening eventually leads to a disastrous outcome for both parties. Notable supporting performances by Kerry Condon as Pádraic's sister Siobhán, and Barry Keoghan as a well-meaning but dimwitted friend of all, make this an often sad and frustrating exercise for the viewer, and as the story reaches its stunning climax, one is left with a sense of loss and profound inability to reconcile one's feelings about what was just experienced. And yet personally, I was left in awe by the picture and even more so by the mesmerizing performances of Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson.

Exceedingly brilliant!

[ethanbresnett · 9/10 · 25 October 2022]

Martin McDonagh once again proves he is at the cutting edge of black comedy, with another wildly funny and sharp film.

His latest, The Banshees of Inisherin, is essentially a break up movie, but not in the conventional sense. Instead of lovers at odds, we explore the fall out when Gleeson's Colm decides he's had enough of his life long friendship with Farrell's Padraic.

It is a unique conceit, and the result is a bitingly funny, razor sharp screenplay that has so many layers and depth to it. It never once drags or feels overworked, and the balance between drama and comedy is struck perfectly.

The performances from Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson are flawless. The comedic timing, the depth, the drama. Incredible. Supporting turns from Kerry Condon and Barry Keoghan are just as good, as are the result of the relatively small cast.

The film is beautifully shot, capturing the natural landscape wonderfully. The period (1920s Ireland), is also perfectly captured through the spot on costume and set design, really drawing you into the whole piece.

A truly masterful film and an absolute joy to watch.