Reviews & Ratings for
The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)

At the tail end of the Irish Civil War in the spring of 1923, on the Irish isle of Inisherin (literally "the island of Ireland"), fiddler Colm Doherty abruptly begins ignoring his lifelong best friend and drinking buddy Pádraic Súilleabháin. Colm has decided that Pádraic, a man respected by the islanders, is too dull for him, and he would rather spend the remainder of his life composing music and doing things for which he will be remembered. Pádraic is devastated and refuses to accept the rejection, while Colm only becomes more resistant to his old friend's attempts to make amends. Colm eventually gives Pádraic an ultimatum: every time Pádraic comes to talk with him, Colm will cut off one of his own fingers.

It's exciting to have just seen a movie like The Banshees of Inisherin and immediately recognize it as a masterpiece. I'd imagine the experience would be like living in 1941 and having just seen Citizen Kane in the theater. This one's for those looking to get away from the superhero cgi, for movie lovers who want to be engrossed by a good story, who want to dig in deeper after the lights come up. It's an art film but an accessible one for most mainstream audiences and it's a gut puncher. It'll pull emotions out of you in unexpected ways.

Set on a small island just off the coast of 1923 Ireland (the cinematography is breathtaking) a friendship is breaking up but only one knows why. The film plays as a Shakespearean tragicomedy, exploring a wide variety of themes including friendships, relationships, family, legacies, art, disillusionment, faith, sadness, rage, loneliness, joy, hope. Colin Farrell will no doubt win the best actor Oscar for delivering all of that, it's a powerful performance. Equally impressive is Brendan Gleeson, portraying a man coming to terms with what he'll leave as his legacy and his own struggles. Supporting players are also strong with Kerry Condon and Barry Keoghan as standouts, every actor really delivers.

This all-Irish cast will drop some heavy Brogue at times but otherwise you can understand what they're saying. Near flawless directing and editing, the film moves at a good steady pace with an attention to detail. There are just enough unexpected comedic touches to lighten the heavy story but by the end of all the twists and turns you'll leave with a smile but also needing a hanky to dry some tears. Try to see it on the largest screen you can find. Best film I've seen in years, I can't recommend it enough.