by John Zenoni
I am so emotionally torn about whether or not I like the latest film by Martin McDonagh, of ‘Three Billboards’ fame, because it has so many pros and cons. ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’ is a reunion of its Irish actors, Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson, from the film ‘In Bruges.’ In this latest film, Gleeson plays fiddler Colm, and Farrell plays farmer and nice guy (but dull) Pádraic.
Every afternoon at 2, Pádraic would meet up with Colm at the local pub to have a pint and talk about various things from donkey/horse dung to music and life. One day, Pádraic went to Colm’s house to see why he was not at the pub and Colm would not answer the door. Later on that evening, Pádraic approaches Colm, who tells him that he no longer likes him and wishes to be left alone. Needless to say, that is what this whole film centers around. Pádraic cannot accept this change in his friend and tries to find out why he is no longer liked. Colm continues to rebuke Pádraic’s attempt at friendship and finally tells him that for every contact he makes with him, he will (and does) cut off a finger. Not believing him, Pádraic approaches him, only to be at home with his sister (who shares the house with him, each having their own bed in the bedroom of the small house) one afternoon when they hear a thump. It is Colm, who throws his cut off finger at their door. Very disturbing, to say the least.
The film has a strange storyline, for sure, but it's like a train wreck in that you have to watch to see what happens with this ’feud’ between the two. This is probably the biggest con - trying to understand, follow and enjoy this plot. The other one being the ending, which I will not spoil, but it definitely disappointed me.
But the film does have a great group of supporting actors who provide plenty of scares, laughs and tears. The supporting cast consists of Kerry Condon, who plays Pádraic’s sister Siobhan, who does a great job in matching everyone else in her scenes. Also significant is Barry Keoghan, who plays a young local named Dominic, who is the son of the local policeman and is physically abused by him on pretty much a daily basis. Dominic also has a secret crush on Siobhan, which will come out later on. Keoghan is absolutely heartbreaking in his portrayal and I hope he's recognized for his performance come award time. But of course, this film belongs to Gleeson and Farrell, who both do an amazing job facing off against each other. One, if not both, should be recognized come award season as well.
The one other thing that should be mentioned is the cinematography, as it is absolutely stunning. What beautiful scenes of the countryside!
I think the only thing I can say is to be aware that this is not a fast-moving picture by any means but it has several messages that I do think it tries to convey: friendship, loyalty, mortality and more. Somewhat unconventional for sure in how it presents it but the more I reflect on it, having written this review, I think I do, in fact, like it.
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