1923 - The Irish Civil War has plagued the mainland in chaos with cannons and gunfire pilfering life. However, the quaint yet detached island of Inisherin also feels the impact in a rather unconventional way.
Set on a remote island, The Banshees of Inisherin introduces us to Pádraic (Colin Farrell) an amicable dairy farmer and his deteriorating friendship with Colm (Brendan Gleeson) a fiddler. After 12 years of trotting their way down to the local pub, Colm unexpectedly decides to break all ties with Pádraic. Confused and blindsided, Pádraic tries to salvage the relationship before it plunges down the inescapable rabbit hole. Directed by Martin McDonagh, the award-winning mind behind Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri comes a tragically yet humorous tale of friendship coupled with solitude, isolation and the dynamic complexity of human emotions.
Siobhan (Kerry Condon), Pádraic’s sister acts as the only rationale between the two men, however, her efforts prove to be futile as she decides to leave the island in search of greener pastures. Dominic (Barry Keoghan), son of a much-hated island constable tries in his own way to mend the friendship by offering Pádraic ideas much to Colm’s chagrin who responds by severing his fingers off after every failed interaction with his ex-friend.
The usage of certain locations depicts the restrictive and limited surroundings that the Irish folk constantly live their life in. Wide shots throughout the film create a feeling of seclusion with the background serving as a melancholic character. The viewers are treated to feelings of unsettlement yet familiarity as they realise that the lives of those islanders are resigned to the four walls of the sea.
The sparse yet impactful conversations that the characters have with Mrs McCormick, a local elder foreshadow the events that are about to follow suit. Dressed in black robes with a stick in hand, Mrs McCormick serves as a harbinger of bad news, one that proves to be inevitable to the residents.
Martin McDonagh's reflection on the human condition is concentrated in a way by setting a narrative about heartbreak, conflict, and intrusive philosophical notions on an isolated Irish island that keeps the outer world at arm’s length. Cinematographer Ben Davis and production designer Mark Tildesley’s visually painted interiors take you on a journey of a domestic middle-class life caught up in struggles that they hold dear to their heart.
As the war turns men into monsters, it is left for the audience to decide whether this disagreement turned battle will erode Pádraic’s inherent goodness, from love to vengeance.
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