The Banshees of Inisherin (2022) Film Review — Hilariously Poignant

“Nice! You used to be nice! And now, do you know what you are? Not nice.”

The Banshees of Inisherin is about two friends and one of them doesn’t want to continue their relationship any longer. Taking place on the island of Inisherin off the coast of Ireland with the Irish Civil War as the backdrop, the film is a wonderful display of strong performances and natural dialogue weaved with a hilariously poignant drama.

While everyone in the film was solid, the two leads were phenomenal. Brendon Gleeson is the older and sharper of the two portraying intensity and melancholy superbly. Colin Farrel — my favourite performance — is the younger and simpler of the two delivering a sublime performance of a well-meaning, nice and dim fellow. Watching them work off each other as the rift between them grows into a chasm was riveting. I have loved both actors for a long time now and seeing them at their best together was a special treat.

Of the previous Martin McDonaugh films that I have watched i.e Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri and In Bruges, this one is my least favourite thus far. It still doesn’t take away from the fact that it’s a beautifully shot, scored, performed and tightly written outing from the creative. It’s the deepest story from him too even if it is the least entertaining; the price of cynicism and bitterness can deal a heavy blow leaving one crippled.

The writing has layers and one of the subtexts that one can lean into is that it’s an allegory for the civil war and that gives the entire experience even more heft with its poignancy and comedy. It’s also the only film in recent memory off the top of my head where, despite my affection for a simpler life sometimes, I absolutely wouldn’t want to live in the location depicted regardless of how scenic it is. I was cheering for the sister character to GTFO — an amazing performance by Kerry Condon might I add.

Overall, it’s a depressing story when all is said and done, far more than what I expected going in but that poignancy coupled with effortless dark comedy made it hilariously entertaining too. I do want to rewatch it to catch more subtleties in it but at the same time, I’m in no rush for that. The movie is thoroughly slow so while I would recommend giving it a shot, especially if you have enjoyed the writer/director’s previous works, keep that in mind. It’s among my top favourites of 2022. And if I were to rate it, I’d give it an 8/10.