Film Review: The Banshees of Inisherin

Released: 21st October 2022 

Imagine waking up one day and discovering that the person closest to you doesn’t want anything to do with you anymore.  

The Banshees of Inisherin, written and directed by Martin McDonagh, tells the story of two lifelong friends whose friendship suddenly comes to an end. Pádraic, (played by Colin Farrell), finds himself concerned and helpless, when his best friend, Colm (played by Brendan Gleeson), stops talking to him without any reasoning apart from the fact he just doesn’t like him anymore. The two find themselves in a dispute as Pádraic dwells on feeling like he’s not enough, causing him to spiral the state into a rivalry, by doing whatever it takes to repair the friendship, as Pádraic’s sister, Siobhán (played by Kerry Condon) acts as a rock to him, trying to mediate the situation. 

Director Martin McDonagh. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The film is set on an island off the coast of Ireland in the 1920s that has a very tightknit community and highly focuses on loneliness and isolation. It’s a well-balanced film of darkness and comedy where troubled boy, Dominic (played by Barry Keoghan), provides a comedic relief to the film with undertones of lingering sadness as he searches for a love that’s unattainable. 

Alongside the impeccable acting, lies a beautiful soundtrack by Carter Burwell who also created the score for films such as Carol (2015), and Twilight (2008). The score works in harmony with the beautiful scenery of Inisherin from the rocky landscape to the crashing waves.  

If you’re a fan of the film, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017) then this is definitely a must-watch for you, which is also directed by Martin McDonagh. The two films are similar in the way that they have a strong dark presence and gloom, as well as a side of comedy. 

After leaving the cinema, or wherever you watch The Banshees of Inisherin, you’re most likely to find yourself feeling rather deep in thought and fragile as it is definitely one for tapping into the dark side of your brain. -★★★★☆