“Two lifelong friends find themselves at an impasse when one abruptly ends their relationship, with alarming consequences for both of them.” – IMDb
Before you decide to watch The Banshees of Inisherin, I would highly recommend watching 2008’s In Bruges, made by the same team (namely, directed/written by Martin McDonagh and starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson). It will give you a sense of the Irish stew that you are about to partake in with Banshees…
I say stew because there are quite a lot of elements at play in both films. They suck you in with playful, witty banter to the point where you think the film is going to be a buddy comedy. Then the ridiculous is added in, with the characters making absurd decisions that always escalate the stakes and add a much darker tone to the plot. And by the end of the film, you are left with a sense of bleakness that feels uniquely Irish (Catholic).
The Banshees of Inisherin is even trickier than In Bruges though. Whereas In Bruges follows hired hitmen, where we know the stakes are high from the get go, this film follows two local farmers on a small Irish island who have a sudden falling out with one another (unbeknownst to one of the parties involved). The audience is thrown off by the lighthearted banter (mentioned earlier), Farrell’s character’s incredibly sweet nature, a few cute farm animal companions, and the breathtaking scenery. However, the film smartly and delicately moves into a darker storyline that focuses on loneliness, depression/”the despair”, and the inevitability death.
Fun stuff, right?!
Well, while Banshees might not be the most uplifting movie you’re going to watch this year, it is an incredibly well-done film that will leave you in a reflective mood for days after you watch it. The acting is brilliant, the cinematography and landscape are breathtaking, and, honestly, you will laugh as much as you will cry. That’s my Let Me Clarify guarantee!
So, if you’re looking for a film that won’t treat with kid gloves, but will still entertain the hell out of you, Banshees is definitely worth the watch.
Rating: 9 out 10 Claire Bears
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If you like this movie, you should also watch: In Bruges, The Big Lebowski
Streaming: In Theaters only
With: Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson
Directed By: Martin McDonagh
Let Me Clarify 