Banshees of Inisheerin

“Some things there’s no moving on from.”

The concept of The Banshees of Inisherin is something so simple. Yet from it there spouts a well of introspective and evocative questions that perhaps every human somehow faces in their own lifetime. After we take in the gorgeous view of the coast of an Irish island in the opening shots, we meet Pádraic (Collin Farrell) who’s going to call on his best friend, Colm (Brendan Gleeson) to have their regular afternoon pint at the little pub on the island. But when Pádraic gets there, Colm is unresponsive to his invitation, seeming to flat out ignore him. When Pádraic goes home, he tells this to his sister Siobhán (Kerry Condon), who doesn’t seem to think anything of it, joking, “Maybe he just don’t like you no more.” Well, after Pádraic finally confronts Colm, it turns out Siobhán’s sarcastic remark was actually the simple, honest truth.

"The understated poignant feeling that pervades the picture underneath the comedic aspect really hits home"


True to writer-director Martin McDonagh’s style, the harsh delivery from Colm is so straightforward that it seems like a joke and does indeed come off quite hilarious at the mere bluntness of it. It’s so starkly simple that it is unreal both to us and obviously to Pádraic, who’s utterly bewildered by his friend’s abrupt change. But, of course, there’s more to Colm’s rudeness. No, it’s not a very nice thing to do to his caring and joyful best friend, but the simple fact of Colm not liking Pádraic anymore is, well…not so simple.

Throughout the film we dive more into Colm’s life carried by a very understated and brilliant performance by Gleeson. His despair, his realization of his old age, and his need for peace, among other things are the real reason he tries to cut Pádraic out of his life. Though, he does insist that another reason is Pádraic’s dullness. (Again, not very nice). But despite his coldness, it is hard not to sympathize for his need for peace, so much so that he even pleads to Pádraic and to Siobhán for it. And when Pádraic still refuses to fulfill his wishes, Colm threatens and ends up carrying out an act of extreme self-mutilation that is quite honestly as funny as it is horrifying.

And then we have poor Pádraic. Giving one of the best performances of the actor’s career, Farrell wears the innocence, the cluelessness, and the loneliness of the persistent Pádraic expertly. You spend the whole film shaking your head at Padraic’s unwillingness to leave Colm alone. It’s infuriating at times, but you can’t hate him. His best friend doesn’t like him, his sister is going to leave for a job on the mainland, and his only source of comfort his pony, Jenny, or the dim, unfiltered Dominic (played by Barry Keoghan, who’s performance is the most hilarious and tragic part of the film) who has the perverted jerk of a cop for a dad. Pádraic’s life as he knows it is changing in the blink of an eye to no fault of his own, so he has every right to be stubborn, even to be angry. Banshees of Inisheerin

There are many moments watching the film that you question whether you should be laughing or crying, but that is what makes the film brilliant. This rhythm is consistent throughout the film with the unflinching candor of the characters that is hilarious upon delivery, but also quite gut-wrenching. The understated poignant feeling that pervades the picture underneath the comedic aspect really hits home in the last ten minutes of the film. All of the performances are stellar (especially by both Keoghan and Condon who steal the show) in all their hilarity and heartbreak, and overall, The Banshees of Inisherin proves to be one of the best films of 2022 and arguably McDonagh’s best film to date.

The Banshees of Inisherin is now available on Blu Ray courtesy of 20th Century Studios and Disney/Buena Vista.

5/5 stars

 

Banshees of Inisheerin

Blu-ray Details

Home Video Distributor: Disney / Buena Vista
Available on Blu-ray
- December 20, 2023
Screen Formats: 2.39:1
Subtitles
: English SDH, French, Spanish
Audio:
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1; English: Dolby Digital 2.0
Discs: Blu-ray Disc; single disc
Region Encoding: Region free playback

From writer-director Martin McDonagh (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri) comes a unique film starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson. Although Pádraic (Farrell) and Colm (Gleeson) have been lifelong friends, they find themselves at an impasse when one abruptly ends their relationship, bringing alarming consequences for both of them.

Video

Presented in its original 2.39:1 aspect ratio, this 1080p High-Definition transfer is absolutely stunning. Showing off the gorgeous grassy hills and the breath-taking beaches of Inishmore, Ben Davis’s cinematography shines on this Blu Ray release.

Audio

While this isn’t really the kind of film that has much to show off in terms of its audio experience, the 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track is nonetheless appreciated. All the dialogue delivered in perfect Irish cadence, the score, and any ambient sounds all come in crisp and clear on this transfer. No complaints here.

Supplements:

Well, there aren’t many special features included, but the little that is on the disc are a delightful experience full of cast and crew interviews that discuss the film’s origins and its characters, plus some nice deleted scenes.

Commentary:

  • None

Special Features:

  • Creating The Banshees of Inisherin
  • Deleted Scenes

Blu-ray Rating

  Movie 5/5 stars
  Video  5/5 stars
  Audio 5/5 stars
  Extras 2/5 stars

Composite Blu-ray Grade

4/5 stars

 

Film Details

Banshees of Inisheerin

MPAA Rating: R.
Runtime:
114 mins
Director
: Martin McDonagh
Writer:
Martin McDonagh
Cast:
Colin Farrell; Brendan Gleeson; Kerry Condon
Genre
: Comedy | Drama
Tagline:
Everything Was Fine Yesterday
Memorable Movie Quote: "If punching a policeman is a sin then we may as well pack up and go home."
Theatrical Distributor:
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Official Site: https://www.searchlightpictures.com/the-banshees-of-inisherin/
Release Date:
October 21, 2022
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date:
December 20, 2022
Synopsis: Set on a remote island off the west coast of Ireland, THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN follows lifelong friends Padraic (Colin Farrell) and Colm (Brendan Gleeson), who find themselves at an impasse when Colm unexpectedly puts an end to their friendship. A stunned Padraic, aided by his sister Siobhan (Kerry Condon) and troubled young islander Dominic (Barry Keoghan), endeavours to repair the relationship, refusing to take no for an answer. But Padraic's repeated efforts only strengthen his former friend's resolve and when Colm delivers a desperate ultimatum, events swiftly escalate, with shocking consequences.

Art

Banshees of Inisheerin