The Banshees of Inisherin is an artistic representation of stressful midlife crisis, falling out friendships, civil war unrest, boredom and cynical anguish so the answer to the above question is quite diplomatic, not everybody is meant to like everything, whereas 5 out of 10 people might find it silly the others connect to it and simply feel the beauty of the movie.
Although, It is a slow burner and reaches a level where the reason for the friendship breakup turns silly. Self harm over a petty issue is an unimaginably annoying extreme step to depict cynicism and the viewers who expected comedy in the movie couldn’t wrap their heads around too much of the symbolism and the metaphorical nature of it. Deliberately added dullness and meloncholia in the movie successfully transfers the sadness to viewers making them feel the emotions of the lonely characters of Inisherin.
The movie displays the picturesque beauty of the remote island of Inisherin off the coast of Ireland and the simple yet lonely lives of the residents with the civil war going on, casting a gloom over citizens. Despite that we get to see a beautiful brother-sister relationship, pure love for the little pet donkey Jenny and a selfless friendship of Dominic.
In the movie, Padraic asks Colm about the name of his new tune, Colm replies that it is called “Banshees of Inisherin” as he likes sh sounds and Padraic says there are no banshees in Inisherin. Banshees are said to be female spirits who wail or scream to announce the death of a family member. Mrs. McCormick an old woman who wanders everywhere plays a symbolic role in the movie, predicts the death and unforeseen circumstances but nobody takes her seriously.
“Banshees of Inisherin” is a darkly comic short movie that explores the power of folklore, boring lives of the residents of small areas, test of relationships against slow passing of time, changing behaviour of people and the ways in which it can shape our perceptions of the world around us.
Details
Genre: Dark Comedy, Gore
Written and Directed by : Martin Mcdonaugh
Cast :
- Collin Farrell as Pádraic Súilleabháin
- Brendon Gleeson as Colm Doherty
- Kerry Condon as Siobhán Súilleabháin
- Barry Keoghan as Dominic Kearney
- Gary Lyndon as Policeman Paedar Kearney
- Sheila Flitton as Mrs. McCormick
- Pat Shortt as Jonjo Devine
- John Kenny as Gerry
- David Pearse as priest
Release Date : 21 October 2022 (UK)
Stream on: Disney+
Runtime: 1h 49m
Nominations : Best Picture for Academy Awards along 8 other nominations, click to see the list of accolades
Plot Synopsis
Nestled on a small island just off the coast of 1923 Ireland, a tale of a friendship in disarray unfolds against a stunning backdrop of breathtaking cinematography. The film takes on the guise of a Shakespearean tragicomedy, delving deep into a diverse range of themes including bonds of friendship, love, family ties, artistic expression, disillusionment, faith, melancholy, fury, isolation, happiness, and optimism. Colin Farrell’s brilliant portrayal is likely to earn him the highly coveted Best Actor Oscar, as he masterfully conveys all of these emotions in a powerful performance. Similarly impressive is Brendan Gleeson’s depiction of a man grappling with his own struggles and the legacy he will leave behind. Kerry Condon has shined in the movie in the role of Siobhan, the lovely sister. The supporting cast, featuring outstanding performances by Kerry Condon and Barry Keoghan, further elevate the film.
The movie resonates with anyone who has experienced a falling-out with a friend, particularly the pain of seeing your ex-friend maintaining their friendships with others while excluding you. It’s a feeling of heartbreak and humiliation that is difficult to endure, especially when you see them succeed while you feel left behind. Colm’s extreme measures to get Padraic to leave him alone are difficult to watch because it’s clear that he’s also struggling with their broken relationship. Despite his efforts to keep Padraic away and prove his point, Colm’s reluctance and resistance during their interactions suggest that he doesn’t want to treat his former best friend that way. This is evident when Padraic is beaten by policeman in front of him, and Colm watches in pain and without saying anything he drives Padraic’s carriage back home.
The reason of Colm’s parting ways from their friendship was very simple, he wanted to make music seriously and passionately, as this realisation has come late in his life he wants to cut ties with anyone who wastes his precious time particularly Padraic his close friend whom he suddenly considers dull and dim. Colm warns Padraic if he will talk to him he will chop off his fingers. Padraic without understanding the gravity of the matter makes assumptions that Colm might be depressed and still tries to make contact and talks to Colm. Colm firstly chops one finger later when Padraic tries to sort things out thinking Colm might be looking for adventures, angrily Colm chops all the rest of his fingers . Meanwhile Padraic’s sister Siobhan leaves to the mainland for a librarian’s job, Padraic bids her farewell. Colm in the absence of Padraic and Siobhan throws fingers at their home. Padraic’s little adorable pet donkey Jenny dies after getting choked by unknowingly eating Colm’s thrown finger. Padraic weeps for Jenny and decides to take revenge from Colm. He sets Colm’s house on fire and takes Colm’s dog to his own house.
Padraic writes letter to Siobhan that he won’t leave Inisherin as he has his life and animals on that Island, and his friend Dominic(Barry Keoghan) has died upon drowning. Later the next day Colm meets Padraic and thanks him for at least saving his dog from arson and regrets for Jenny’s death and they both stare at the sea thinking about their broken friendship and lives.
The boring lives of people in small towns can sometimes take a toll on their mental health making them to ponder how less they have achieved in life. Living in a place where jobs and resources are less, few frustrated people relying on each other and watching the same faces everyday sometimes makes people gloomy. The abrupt change in routine, combined with the scrutiny of peers, can leave one feeling confused, lonely, and paranoid.The film also touches on the political tensions in Ireland, particularly in small social communities that observe the events from a distance. The entire cast is exceptional, with a natural rapport and seamless dialogue that adds to the movie’s familiarity and believability.
In conclusion, “Banshees of Inisherin” is a unique and entertaining film that blends genres and defies expectations. With excellent performances, clever writing, and beautiful cinematography, this film is well worth watching for anyone looking for something a little different, specially small town people who could relate to it.
The movie makes people understand how important it is to adapt with the changes and move on in life, also being nice to others and the animals is the ultimate way to be happy.
Rating
IMDb: 7.8 / 10
Rotten tomatoes: 96%
Sublime: 4.5 / 5
Best Lines
Pádraic Súilleabháin:
I’m Pádraic Súilleabháin. And I’m nice.
You used to be nice. Or did you never used to be? Oh, God. Maybe you never used to be.
Some things there’s no moving on from. And I think that’s a good thing.
Siobhan:
There’s enough judgy people on this fecking island, so no! You’re not dim! You’re a nice man, all right? So, move on!
One more silent man on Inisherin, good-oh! Silence it is, so.
One boring man! You’re all fucking boring! With your piddling grievances over nothin’! You’re all fucking boring!
Colm Doherty:
Ah, well, I suppose niceness doesn’t last then, does it, Padraic? But will I tell ya something that does last?
Music lasts.
I’ve changed. I just don’t have a place for dullness in me life anymore.
For a bit of peace, Siobhan. That’s all. For a bit of peace in me heart, like. You can understand that. Can’t ya? Can’t ya?
