The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)

Acclaimed playwright and director Martin McDonagh delivers another masterful ensemble piece to audiences with his latest film “The Banshees of Inisherin”. The black comedy reunites leads Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson with McDonagh, who directed them both in his 2008 Oscar-nominated film “In Bruges”. After it’s world premiere at this year’s Venice International Film Festival, the film went on to receive a rapturous 15-minute standing ovation, five minutes longer than McDonagh’s previous film “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”.

The film takes place in 1920s Ireland, against the backdrop of the Irish Civil War, on the fictional island of Inisherin and tells the story of two friends Pádraic (Farrell) and Colm (Gleeson). One day, Colm decides to abruptly end his long-running friendship with Pádraic, claiming the man is ‘too dull’ for him to spend the rest of his life around. An escalating battle then begins between the two friends, and it soon becomes the talk of the village, with many just as confused as Pádraic with Colm’s decision. As the growing tensions between the two grow, it’s not long before it boils over and results in devastating consequences for both feuding men.

Colin Farrell leads an uber-talented cast comprised of some of Ireland’s greatest talents like Brendan Gleeson, Kerry Condon, and Barry Keoghan, all delivering knockout performances. Farrell’s work is almost certain to land him a spot in this year’s Best Actor line-up as he plays Pádraic, the harmless easy-going farmer, until he finally snaps and becomes a ruthless man out for revenge, and perhaps that’s what makes his performance so fascinating to watch unfold on the big screen. The friendship Farrell shares with his co-star Brendan Gleeson elevates both performances making them feel much more authentic and believable. The pair share a hilarious back and forth that’s embellished by McDonagh’s screenplay. Gleeson’s role as Colm, a man who finds himself in the later years of his life wishing to be more creative, and have more interesting conversations with those around him, is terrific and perfectly compliments Farrell’s performance. The film’s other standout performance, alongside Farrell’s, comes from Kerry Condon. The Irish actress, probably best known for voicing ‘Friday’ in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, gives a marvellous turn as Pádraic’s sister, Siobhan. Condon ends up acting as a mediator between the two men, trying to keep them apart to prevent Colm from resorting to drastic action. Condon boosts every scene she’s in to a whole other level and she ends up being one of the best parts of the film.

Director Martin McDonagh pens a screenplay that balances side-splitting hilarity with tear-jerking emotion and reminds you exactly why he has two Oscar-nominations for writing under his belt. It’s sharp, witty, and brilliantly tells the story of what happens when a friendship turns sour. McDonagh does a skilful job blending the comedic tones at the start of the film with the tragedy and drama that becomes more dominant towards the end. This balance, combined with McDonagh’s sensational directorial effort, makes “The Banshees of Inisherin” such a unique and entertaining film. Perhaps what else makes the film so good, and sets it apart from a large majority of this year’s awards contenders, is that it isn’t an intricate biopic about a famous figure or some overbearing think piece, but is instead a rich, amusing film about friendship.

“The Banshees of Inisherin” brings some delightful visuals to the screen alongside the engaging narrative and likeable characters. Cinematographer Ben Davis, who worked with McDonagh on “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”, uses the scenic Irish coastlines to his advantage to effortlessly enhance the natural beauty of the film.

“The Banshees of Inisherin” easily sets itself up to be one of 2022’s best and most entertaining films. With shining performances from the cast, and a simple plot with changing tones, the film is a solid original dark comedy from acclaimed director Martin McDonagh. A simple, yet distinctive depiction of the end of a friendship, “The Banshees of Inisherin” is beautifully tied together, while also being incredibly charming and amusing, and a brilliant follow up to “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”.