Martin McDonagh reunites with Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson for this powerful tale of a broken friendship...
Director: Martin McDonagh
Starring: Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Barry Keoghan
Running time: 109 minutes
Martin McDonagh finds heart in the bleakest of places. Whether it’s in a Belgian playground taken over by suicidal hitmen, as in In Bruges, a small rural town rocked by the murder of a beloved member of the community, like in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, or, as is the case in The Banshees of Inisherin, on an isolated, austere island off the coast of Ireland, the filmmaker will paint himself into the darkest corner and try to find a way out.
What makes The Banshees of Inisherin even more bleak than usual, though, is the fact that it begins with a cruel break-up; specifically, a cruel break-up between lifelong friends Pádraic (Colin Farrell) and Colm (Brendan Gleeson). Stuck in a rut, and deciding that he wants to dedicate the rest of his limited life to creating art that will stand the test of time, Colm quite brutally calls an end to their companionship, telling the kind-hearted Pádraic to leave him alone lest he start cutting off (his own) fingers.
“That was so depressing” is the verdict of one punter as we’re walking out of the screening, but it’s impossible to agree. Sure, as is often the case with McDonagh movies, there are desperately dire moments. Tragic events take place, beloved characters are put through the ringer, and the heart aches for Farrell’s pure protagonist, who wants nothing more than to spend time at the pub with his best mate.
“Depressing” it may seem on the surface, but dig deeper and its morals are quite the opposite
Yet within the darkness, there are countless heartwarming messages being told. Ultimately, this is a deep-dive into what it means to be a nice person, and how important positivity really is. From the very first scene, there is a battle between cynicism and optimism, throwing in the towel and looking for the best in every bad situation, and it’s clear where McDonagh’s feelings lie.
In Pádraic, the writer-director creates one of the most likeable and charming, yet complex and layered, characters in quite some time - and Farrell sells it with remarkable conviction. Every emotion is etched on his face with impressive elegance, and McDonagh’s motivation for making him such an engaging figure is clear - the film wants you to root for the good guy, to support kindness. The sheer amount of adversity that this lovely has to face before straying from his path of virtue is a statement in itself, a message on how testing situations must become for genuinely good people to give in.
And the film’s examination of what can happen when the nice are beaten down, when they do turn towards wickedness, emphasises its messages even further. It is explored in the fate of the village’s least loved character, Dominic (played by the outstanding Barry Keoghan), as he slowly loses hope in Pádraic, his idol. It’s demonstrated in the decision-making of his sister, Siobhan (also excellently portrayed by the dynamic Kerry Condon), who begins to prioritise herself as her brother edges towards the darkness. Through its entire runtime, The Banshees of Inisherin is a rallying call for goodness. “Depressing” it may seem on the surface, but dig deeper and its morals are quite the opposite.
So, that’s four feature films for McDonagh, and four near flawless releases
As if the surely award-winning script isn’t impressive enough, this touching comedy-drama plays out in stunning surroundings, exquisitely captured by Director of Photography Ben Davis and his team. The audience can feel every lap of the coastal wind, every crash of the grey waves, every misty morning over the mountains. It’s almost mesmerising at times, the visuals matching the storytelling in their artistry.
So, that’s four feature films for McDonagh, and four near flawless releases. Demonstrating a unique ability to drag the viewer to the darkest depths, only to find heart and humour within them, the 52-year-old’s work won’t be for everyone - yes, some people may find it “depressing” - but for those it connects with, it will hit home with phenomenal force. Make no mistake, it’ll be a crime if this is ghosted by the Academy.
Did you know? This movie reunites director Martin McDonagh with stars Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson for the first time since In Bruges (2008).
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