classicsoncall Review of The Banshees of Inisherin

The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)

"It was all going fine till he chopped off all his fingers."

[9/10 · 18 December 2022]

At a time when uniquely creative movies are virtually impossible to find, here's one that's so original in concept you'll wonder what sort of mind came up with the idea. To call "The Banshees of Inisherin" a black comedy would be somewhat of an understatement, but if you pay attention and listen very closely, almost every line of dialog is understatedly hilarious, but set within a context so dire that the effect is muted by the desperation and solemnity of the characters. The film almost becomes depressing at times, as Pádraic Súilleabháin (Colin Farrell) attempts to come to grips with the sudden loss of friendship with drinking buddy Colm Sonny Larry Doherty (Brendan Gleeson). It all boils down to a simple statement by Colm - "I just don't like you anymore" - but as the story progresses, we come to a better understanding of the dynamic at work with the older Colm and his devastated friend Pádraic, who's insistence in trying to understand what's happening eventually leads to a disastrous outcome for both parties. Notable supporting performances by Kerry Condon as Pádraic's sister Siobhán, and Barry Keoghan as a well-meaning but dimwitted friend of all, make this an often sad and frustrating exercise for the viewer, and as the story reaches its stunning climax, one is left with a sense of loss and profound inability to reconcile one's feelings about what was just experienced. And yet personally, I was left in awe by the picture and even more so by the mesmerizing performances of Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson.