THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN (2022)

Critic No. 310
Director: Martin McDonagh

Written by: Martin McDonagh

Produced by: Film4 Productions, Blueprint Pictures

Casts: Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Kerry Condon, Barry Keoghan

Music: Carter Burwell

Language: English

Genre: Comedy, Drama


SYNOPSIS: 

Two lifelong friends find themselves at an impasse when one abruptly ends their relationship, with alarming consequences for both of them.


REVIEW:

Thinking about Martin’s Academy Award-winning Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, still gives me goosebumps for the amount of intensity the film possesses despite its beautiful stillness. In ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’, McDonagh creates a visually dazzling film that on the surface talks about a complex relationship between two men but dives deeper with its symbolic social commentary on war, peace, and sorrow.


I loved the way how the genre shifts from comedy to drama sharply but makes us feel bad to laugh at some tragic but outright funny sequences. As much as we connect with Padraic’s journey or emotions, one can never break into the psyche of Colm. Perhaps since the film tries to mirror the Civil War sentiments, McDonagh might have kept Colm’s really feeling more foreign and concealed like a muddled opponent. Though I was thoroughly entertained by the tragedy/comedy, I couldn't crack the metaphors until the powerfully written and shot third act which conveys the social commentary angle and wraps up each character’s destiny.


Cinematographer Ben Davis uses his sharp eye for detail to create gorgeous shots that look like museum-worthy paintings. Even with the breathtaking views of the Irish coast and vibrant hills, I loved some of the moodily lit shots taken indoors. Carter Burwell’s memorable score keeps running into your mind and the irony of using child-like light music for emotional scenes somehow makes us even more invested in the world. 


Farrell and Gleeson are perfect for their roles and carry the entire film on their shoulder. For me I felt that the former gives his best performance to date, even more than his intense showings in Yorgos Lanthimos' films. Condon and Keoghan impress in their supporting roles, especially the delicate 'confession' scene that happens toward the end of act two.


‘The Banshees of Inishirin’ might not be as intense or revolting as McDonagh’s previous Oscar-winning film but definitely a poignant tale about the meaning of life that leaves the audience with some food for thought when the credits start rolling. 



VERDICT:

McDonagh comes up with a dry but deeply affecting tragic comedy that makes us chuckle, reflect and cry at every frame, lifted with some career-defining performances by the lead pair - Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson. 


CELLULOID METER- 4/5:

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