The Banshees of Inisherin is a great totally character driven film. It takes you on a ride with these characters and I was with it from beginning to end.
On the other hand by the end of the movie I knew if I ever hear the word “fecking” again I may just lose it!
Banshees is about the end of a friendship for no given reason (at first) and Padric’s (Colin Farrell) understandable inability to accept it. The rising tension it causes that infects this small island in which he and Colm (Brendan Gleeson) live.
I was angry, sad, confused, worried, understanding, absolutely furious and worried again. Mostly for Padric. This really is Colin Farrell’s film to me and if he gets the Oscar I will not be the least bit upset about it.
I admit while I liked Padric and felt for him I had a harder time with Gleeson’s character. Mostly because what he does is so cruel to Padric and while you can understand it he’s so entrenchable and, in at least one case, hypocritical in who he is choosing to spend time with (though he does get called out on that). Then he makes some decisions that lead to self-mutilation and I couldn’t help but think Padric you are better off far away from this man.
But credit to Gleeson where it’s due (and the excellent script of course) he does kind of pull you back at the end. At least it worked for me despite the absolutely terrible thing he’s actions cause.
Barry Keoghan is great as everyone says but the scene stealer for me (outside of Farrell) is definitely Kerry Condon as Padric’s sister Siobhan.
She’s the kind heart who can see where this is going and despite trying to be optimistic and her love for her brother she knows she’s got to get the hell off this island before it explodes. She’s also a reader so bonus points for that. Sense of impending doom Siobhan is my favorite character for sure.
The film is also beautiful but in an interesting way where you don’t really think about it. It’s a beauty that almost lulls you into a false sense of security and peace which really works well for the story.
The Banshees of Inisherin is definitely a simple idea (the dissolution of a friendship) but rolls out beautifully from a writing standpoint and is about so much more. I know some people have talked about seeing Colm and Padric as stand-ins for the sides in the Irish Civil War.
Also be aware not just of the self-mutilation and swearing but also a suicide and mentions of sexual abuse as well as the death of an animal.
So everyone is saying the Oscars is between Banshees and Everything Everywhere all at Once. And while EEAO is my favorite film from last year I won’t be upset if Banshees pulls off a victory!
Recommend: Yes.
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