Adorned with sweeping landscapes of a strange little island off the coast of Ireland, The Banshees of Inisherin is one of the most visually striking films to grace UK cinemas in a long time. Written and directed by the legendary Martin McDonagh (think 2008's In Bruges and 2017's Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri), Banshees is yet another delicate and intricate masterpiece of modern film-making. Held in between shots of rickety pathways and unruly oceans, the story of Colm and Pádraic brings back Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrel for another striking bit of screentime - an ode to In Bruges but a beauty in its own right.
In many ways, the tale of Colm and Pádraic, two best friends whose friendship one day ceases to exist for no apparent reason, is really quite a tragic one. But, in very In Bruges fashion, Colin Farrel and Brendan Gleeson manage to tiptoe a line of brutalism that is just so funny. The two characters are so unforgiving to each other - Colm (Gleeson) openly saying he has decided that Pádraic (Farrel) is "the dullest man on Inisherin" - and it really is heartbreaking to see a friendship devolve on the screen in front of you. It is also, however, hysterically funny. I can't even quite put my finger on it, but it is.
Following the devolution of a friendship to the real worst case scenarios (I won't spoil it just yet), this film is an honest and heart-wrenching tragedy convincingly dressed up in the guise of a dark-humour comedy. Everything about the film is chalk and cheese, whether it's the juxtaposition of tearful moments to hilarity; the simple and kind Pádraic against the existential intellect of Colm; the constant reminder of the Civil War happening 'over there' across the water while Inisherin remains forever unchanged. Some would say to its benefit and others - cough, Colm - to its detriment. So, quite an introduction. Can you tell I really really loved this film?
Although Banshees isn't the kind of film that makes you laugh at somebody slipping on a banana skin, there is still some kind of simplicity in the humour that it presents. The comedy often comes from accidentally slapstick one-liners in an otherwise existential situation, the sort of one-liners that makes you want to spit out your Baskin Robbins or choke on your salty popcorn. The foundational concept of the film - one friend suddenly deciding he doesn't like his best friend anymore - reeks of tragi-comedy. It's everybody's biggest fear, but also entirely absurd.
Repetition throughout the film allows you to sink into the Inisherin way of life but also allows a greater appreciation of the tongue-in-cheek comedic moments. For example, the regular two o'clock chimes reminding everybody that it's time for the pub, a very small island habit but also one that most of us can understand. As a viewer, I was impressed that a setting as niche as a 1920s Irish island was entirely a mystery to me for a lot of the movie. It was only when a calendar was in full view that told me the year that I was able to set myself. Some people might say that's not a good thing, but I say it's a testament to the timelessness and relatability of the characters and storylines in The Banshees of Inisherin.
Without spoiling too much, interactions with the younger inhabitant of the island, Dominic (played by the wonderful Barry Keoghan), are a great example of the tragi-comedy nature of the film. His crass comments about wanting a woman are impolite and badly received, but there is a humour in his turns of phrase and seeming ability to take everything on the chin and just keep going. Dominic takes his chances with Pádraic's sister Siobham (played by the hilarious Kerry Condon) and when he's turned down he essentially just says "Oh well, I thought so, but figured I would shoot my shot" in a heartbreaking but also lighthearted hopeless romantic manner.
I can't bring myself to spoil the outcome, but Dominic's moments of lighthearted comedy are brought down by his otherwise tragic fate. His story is so beautifully executed throughout the film as a side-plot but arguably a collateral damage plot to the main story. Full of eccentric characters like Dominic, this film really brings out the contrasts between friendships. It seems that people on Inisherin have no choice but forge unlikely friendships in order to survive their existential loneliness. Perhaps that's why Colm's decision to ditch his best friend for seemingly no reason is so hard-hitting. There is nobody else for Pádraic to spend his time with other than his sister - who he lives (and bickers regularly) with - or Dominic the young joker of the island - who he begrudgingly ends up drifting towards. Pádraic goes from one chalk and cheese friendship to another.
There is definitely something to be said about the issue of men's loneliness in this film. I think it's interesting that the lens of tragi-comedy allows the issue to be approached subtly, humourously, but still in a hard-hitting manner. Don't get me wrong, I am not a man. But men's loneliness is something I have many conversations about, and from what I know the tragi-comedy of Banshees of Inisherin is arguably reflective of the guise under which men talk about their own loneliness.
Colm's desire for more meaningful discussion is significant in his desire for deep companionship, but Pádraic's supposed inability to connect at the same level is also symbolic of the struggle to open up and be vulnerable. Perhaps Pádraic isn't "the dullest man on Inisherin", perhaps he just only knows how to discuss things at surface level. The irony is that the downfall of this utterly chalk and cheese friendship is what brings both Colm and Pádraic closer to each other in vulnerability.
Honestly, that is all I'm going to say for now on this film. It is potentially my favourite movie of 2022 and there is so much I could say. BUT, it's still very new in cinemas, and I would like to encourage you to go and watch it yourself. If I spoil the entire plot then I would be doing a disservice. Go and watch The Banshees of Inisherin for yourself and enjoy taking in the beautiful aesthetics, minimalistic score, thought-provoking storyline, and most importantly the hilarious moments scattered throughout the existential bleakness.
Until next time! Alice x
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A warm and heartfelt review which has definitely motivated me to go to the cinema to watch this movie or add it to my Netflix watchlist. I look forward to more reviews and recommendations.