The Banshees of Inisherin is a brutal comedic vision about breaking up. This notion is a depressing event that exists across all spectrums of life. Whether it is growing apart from a friend, experiencing a breakup, or suffering a divorce, it can be hard to find comedy in the thickness of these dark moments. Yet, with Martin McDonagh’s latest work, he has managed to find something comedic and worthwhile in such a depressing topic.

The film sees the reunion of Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson with McDonagh since the 2008 hit man comedy In Bruges. That movie saw the actors have tremendous chemistry as hitmen who are dear friends. The same cannot be said for The Banshees of Inisherin.

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The film which is set in 1923 involves two lifelong friends, Padraic (Colin Farrell) and Colm (Brendan Gleeson), who for years meet every day at a local pub. The film never shows the good times these two men had together but instead begins right at the end of their friendship. Padraic attempts to summon his friend Colm to the pub as part of his normal routine and Colm’s demeanor has changed. He meets Padraic at the bar but will not sit, talk, or have a drink with his old friend. And to add insult to injury, Colm says he no longer wishes to be friends with him because he just doesn’t like Padraic anymore.

The Banshees of Inisherin Colin Farrell

From here the story dives deep into themes involving grief and depression but does so with McDonagh’s dark sense of humor. Padraic is insecure and confused about why he is being rejected by his best friend and starts pestering Colm for answers. Farrell, coming off the success of The Batman, is incredible in this role as a silly and lonely man in need of a good friend. He is always a better character actor than a leading man.

Colm explains that he would rather work on his music than spend the rest of his days drinking and having full conversations. Colm gives Padraic a warning to stay away from him. He then adds an irrational consequence to the mix if Padraic does not respect his wishes. Padraic then escalates the conflict between the two men who used to be friends.

The Banshees of Inisherin is a comedic meditation on relationships that grow old. Farrell’s role of Padraic is one of simplicity. Padraic is not as intelligent or complex of a thinker as Colm. Juxtaposed to Colm himself who is an artist on the violin and hopes to leave something behind before he eventually dies. Colm understands Padraic is a good friend but someone he has outgrown and feels distracted by in his pursuit for a legacy.

Barry Keoghan also stars in this film as a lonely islander kid who crushes on Padraic’s sister Siobhan (Kerry Condon). His role is sweet, clumsy, and endearing. His Longing for Siobhan plays right into the themes of rejection and isolation. The young Irish actor almost steals the show from the two tremendous leads of the film.

McDonagh’s story is a depressing period drama for anyone who has felt rejected or been through a tragic break up. However, it’s an amazing screenplay with rich character work. We understand everyone’s decisions and how they got to where they are in the story. The character of Colm is the biggest wet blanket of the entire film and makes insanely irrational choices. Yet we understand his reasoning. All this to say, Martin McDonagh remains one of the best screenwriters working today.

The setting and backdrop for The Banshees of Inisherin adds to the tone and thematics. The island of Inisherin (which is actually Inishmore) feels cold and isolated. Adding to the gloomy nature is the backdrop of the Irish Civil War. As the feud heightens between Colm and Padraic, the smoke and gunfire from the battle can be seen from afar. The raging unseen war adds a foreshadowing texture of inevitable doom.

This might sound like an overly serious film but it is quite funny. Colin Farrell in particular is a highlight of the film executing wit within a tragic setting. Farrell and Gleeson have the same charming chemistry and comedic timing they possessed from In Bruges, only here it is more confrontational in spirit.

Overall, The Banshees of Inisherin is another masterclass in writing and directing for Martin McDonagh. It has some truly devastating elements involving depression and losing companionship. But between the humor and charmingly confrontational performances from Farrell and Gleeson, it’s a harrowing visit to the Irish islands worth experiencing. Not to mention another home run for writer and director Martin McDonagh.

The Banshees of Inisherin will hit theaters on October 21.

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