User reviews

After years of friendship, Colm decides that he no longer wants to engage with, or even talk to his former friend Padraic. Padraic refused to accept being shunned, and pursues Colm, who promises some extreme retaliation.

It's a film that gives you hope for the future of film making, truly original, funny, dark, it's like no other film I can think of. Worlds away from what I've seen on the big screen for some time. You don't know whether to laugh or cry, it truly doesn't follow any of the usual rules.

It is such an unusual, but pretty fascinating story, how on Earth can two grown men, two adults that have been friends for a long time, suddenly drift apart, becoming feuding strangers? It does actually happen. The main question here, is what changed, what pushed Colm to this point?

A story of ego, pride and stubbornness, it shows how something small can get out of hand, and escalate into something huge.

The characters are so rich, not just the two leads, but the likes of Mrs McCormack and the shopkeeper are great.

Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell are terrific, it's the best films Farrell has done for years. Barry Keoghan steals several scenes, he's brilliant.

The visuals are breathtaking, the landscapes, the shots of the animals are tremendous.

8/10.

It is a well told dark comedy that keeps you wanting more, in a time when Ireland was full of despair, not long after the war of Independence and a long-suffering period that brought about a post-colonial inferiority complex (still hasn't been addressed to this day), a struggle for an identity, a repressive church, superstitions, isolation, mass emigration, poverty and to top it all off a brutal civil war. This film does a great job to put you in the psych of the time and to top that off the cinematography, costumes, music and atmosphere are wonderful. The film is itself a bit of a conundrum, on one hand it leaves you thinking nonstop about the story and the premise, while on the other hand you feel cheated by its abruptness.

Pádraic ó Súilleabháin (Colin Farrell) is just a nice man who struggles to deal with losing his friendship with Colm Doherty (Brendan Gleeson) and the further loss he endures. Colm, himself is in a fight against time and his age. The dark struggle of helplessness or despair is rife on the Island, but the story telling is done so well it comes across uplifting at times with light-hearted comedy sprinkled on top. Siobhán ní Súilleabháin (Kerry Condon) is a rock to Pádraic, but she is herself tied to the antics of the Island and Dominic Kearney (Barry Keoghan) must suffer with his own demons while he searches for love.

Both leads Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson knock it out of the park, but the two shining stars for me were Barry Keoghan and the beautiful Kerry Condon. I thought the film was going to take a turn for the D'Unbelievables at one point when Pat Shortt who plays Jonjo Devine and Jon Kenny who plays Gerry pop up on the screen, but after a brief scare they turned out to be a good addition to the banter and gossip in the pub scenes.

It's not perfect and lets you down in a few areas. Some of the dialogue feels out of place especially for the part of Ireland and the time period, which was a shame, as it transports you out of the screen and back into the cinema (this seems to be a modern trend with period film). The setting was also a bit too squeaky clean; brand new clean clothes, polished teeth, shoes galore, fresh faces (apart from Colin Farrell who did look like he spent years working in the elements) the poverty of the time could have been showcased a bit more.

My wife and I both enjoyed this film immensely. Any fan of dark comedy, this film is a must see with a word of warning: I would be aware if you are going to see this movie and you are emotionally fragile, that it does tap into the dark side of your brain and leaves you in deep thought when it is finished.

8/10.

5 years after his brilliant dark comedy "Three Billboards, Outside Ebbing, Missouri", Martin Mcdonagh directs another brilliant tale about Friendship, Ambition and Loneliness. The Banshees of Inisherin is the best a Mcdonagh movie has ever looked, every scene has a visual landscape setting and color tone is completely balanced.

The movie revolves around 3 arcs and all the 3 have their perfect conclusions and intersect cleverly. It's one of the best writing you will ever see. Like 3 Billboards there is a perfect blend of humour and tragedy. The stories revolve around Colin Farrell coming to terms that his best friend doesn't want to do anything with him, his sister played by Kerry Cordon trying to find the ultimate purpose in her life and Dominic played by Barry Keoghan, who is living a worst life possible.

Colin Farrell has been doing some great work over the last 20 years and this is his Eureka, Eureka moment. The Banshees of Inisherin is the best movie of the year so far and deserves both commercial and critical acclaim. Very rarely movies that satisfy everyone are made, this is one of them.

Are those who live on islands human beings like everyone else? This film clearly tells us no: the island, an enclosed place where everything is concentrated and which the surrounding sea keeps compressed, deeply affects its inhabitants and permeates them with itself, sickens them with its own disease. The latest film by Englishman Martin McDonagh (in his 4th feature film, with 3 films behind him, all of which are top-notch) is absolutely superb: for storytelling ability, for location (evocative, rocky Irish island), for the brilliance of the screenplay (let's face it: McDonagh writes really well!), for acting (impressive Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson, also excellent Barry Keoghan and Kerry Condon). The story is told of Padraic (Farrell), good and kind, who, overnight, loses the consideration of his greatest friend, Colm (Gleeson). Why? Because I don't like you anymore, because you're boring, Colm replies to him, and I don't want to waste my time with you anymore. And Padraic, who is not as sharp and intelligent as he would like to be but is esteemed for his courtesy and good spirits, does not understand this. Colm, who plays the violin and composes music, is obsessed with the passing of time, with the need to indulge his art in order not to be forgotten. His art demands total exclusivity from him, leaving no room for the banality of feelings. But is this the real reason, or is Colm going mad? At this point, what follows is a jeu de massacre between the two ex-friends, surrounded by various minor characters that McDonagh knows how to connote with felicitous psychological notations and a keen sense of humor. And then there are the animals, almost sacred emanations of the island, loved and respected, more than human in their affective reactions. And there is the war, distant but present, of which ominous explosions are heard in the distance. And finally there is the old witch, a representation of Death that rivals even the Bengt Ekerot of "The Seventh Seal." In short, a beautiful and poignant film like few we see. Not to be missed!

It's hard to tell if this is a wonderful dark comedy or a a Shakespearean tragedy. Served by a magistral group of actors and actress, "Banshees" takes you to stunning Irish landscapes and numbs you with its comfortable scenery, cute farm animals and lovely violin tunes in the good old pub... Until men display a classic story of pride and stubbornness.

Like a dark children tale, the movie seems to be a metaphor of the stupidity of war and humanity's contradictions. Collin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and a scene stealing Barry Keoghan are just wonderful at creating those flawed and unique men spiraling into their destiny. While Kerry Condon as the reasonable woman represents perfectly the fatality of this world.

Martin McDonagh created a fantastic piece of filmmaking, a sadly very timely message that I would love to see adapted as a play.

I couldn't tell if it was trying to be profound, subtly comedic, thought-provoking or all of the above. It kind of failed at all of them.

I don't think it deserves the praise it has received - it was okay, it had some mildly amusing moments but it had one storyline which doesn't really go anywhere and I soon lost interest. In Bruges was superb and I watched again in advance of going to see this. Maybe I shouldn't have, as this just doesn't get anywhere near it for comedy, warmth or character development.

The acting is brilliant, the scenery is spectacular, but I just didn't get it. It was... okay.

You've played together, endured the weather, for many years; but something's changed, you've been estranged, gears now sheared; the reason seems completely mad, you've not done anything that's bad, the situation's quite bizarre and very weird. So you persevere, keep holding out your hand, but all that does, is cause the flames, to be more fanned, out of spite your friend wont linger, raises more than a mid-finger, it's like you've been black balled, suppressed, banished and banned. More diplomacy results in loss and pain, while there's nothing to be won, you won't refrain, the lines have now been drawn, only one thing this will spawn, it's as avoidable, as it's stupid and insane.

Reflecting the friction and war taking place over the water, and the reasons for it, with four outstanding performances, although Barry Keoghan absolutely knocks it out of the park, a film to get you thinking about what it means to get along, and the repercussions when two tribes don't, even over the most trivial of torments.

Martin McDonagh has made an extraordinary film in so many ways, starting with the brilliant theatrical script and the performances of all the main actors involved: Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Barry Keoghan, and Kerry Condon. This also applies to all the supporting roles.

The humour is brilliant, the film is extremely funny but also meaningful and difficult to interpret, at times shocking and quite unpredictable. It is hard not to empathise with the characters and their vicissitudes. At the end of the screening, more then receiving answers, I felt I had learnt and witnessed something important, even though I couldn't immediately point what. A beautiful film that triggers deep reflection.

Super locations. Great photography. Masterful Production design. The acting is world class. So why didn't I enjoy this film? Because it promises to say something and goes nowhere. I'm obviously in the minority here but I wish my expectations hadn't been raised so high. It's dark but a slow almost empty darkness. I'll forget this film very quickly. Which is a good thing for me but doesn't say much for the quality of the story. It feels like there was much more there somewhere but it didn't make it out. Perhaps watching it on a rainy Monday evening didn't help. Also please don't go thinking this is a comedy or anything at all like 'In Bruges'. It's very far from funny. It's very far from the quality of that film.

I gave it five stars: one each for the main actors and one for the location. It was marvelously acted. Brendan Gleeson, Kerry Condon and Colin Farrell were all outstanding, but I thought Barry Keoghan delivered the best performance.

That said, other than the stunning scenery, it was deadly dull and dreary. Stupid really. An inexplicable turn on a friendship; never explained; and never resolved.

It seemed more like a play to me than a film. A bunch of disconnected plot strands that leave you wondering why this film has received the good reviews it has received. Was it worth watching? The answer to that is as unresolved as the plot.

Enjoyed this far more than I expected. The plot feels both incredibly simple and deeply symbolic. So much so it leaves you pondering it's meaning long after the credits roll.

What's better - to lead a simple but honest, good life or be remembered for something deeper and more far reaching - and indeed why should there be a choice between the two?

The love for the animals gives the characters a sweet charm and innocence, and they're all still likeable despite strangeness and flaws.

It is strange, at times funny, poignant, sweet, and most certainly watchable. Great acting all round and a breath of fresh air.

Saw the film last night at the Mill Valley Film Festival and was immediately transported to a different time and place where the people bend to the will of the landscape.

It's a lyrical film full of rich language and irony that stays with you. The performances are each and every one remarkable, the cinematography bewitching and the musical score seals the deal.

There's a mythological quality to be sure and characters transform unexpectedly in bits of whimsy that suddenly portend a darker streak running through the countryside.

Kudos to the director for creating this very Irish (yet universal) story.

The Banshees of Inisherin welcomes the audience right from the start, to this breathtaking, remote island. The windswept panoramic views are accompanied by Irish song, and is quickly met with the reality of how isolated this island is. In the background you hear the civil war on the mainland, but the contrast is immediate to a life so close yet so separated.

The casting is superb, with Colin, Brenden and Kerry all giving award worthy performances.

The perfect balance that Martin McDonagh has mastered between shock, heartfelt sadness and comedic relief is perfectly matched and executed my Barry Keoghan. Barry is the glue that holds this film and all of its elements together. His character, Dominic has the elements, but Barry's performance may be one of the greatest of all time.

This must see film has you at the edge of your seat in anticipation with one eye shut, makes you laugh; feel the loneliness that the characters are feeling and the love and heartbreak of both man and beast.

I sat down prepared for an outstanding movie, what I got was nothing close to what I was expecting.

As my title states, the actors could not be faulted in any way, as I found them to be superb, having me hooked with their interactions. Colin Farrell with the most screen time simply shines, having me wish he were more prolific in projects. Brendan Gleeson also does a stellar job, as does Kerry Condon. Even the other minor characters were well written and very well acted by their respective actors. I can't think of a single actor who did a poor job, heck even the animals did a good job. Excellent cinematography as well.

However, while the dialogue was extremely well written, the script itself was somewhat lacking. I kept waiting for the payoff during the movie that simply never came, making me wonder what I just watched.

Go in for the acting and you will not be disappointed, however the overall story might let you down.

This film collectively is too long/slow and lacking in enough intrigue or comedy to keep me entertained. I did enjoy an occasional moment or idea presented in the movie. The setting was enjoyable. The pets were entertaining. A few of the characters and small moments in the story were amusing the way they were presented. The actors did a nice job. The scenery and filming were fine. I don't know if some main point of the movie was to be meta by providing the same kind of blandness in the movie that one character feels in another character to justify the story event which is the foundation for the movie's tiny plot. If that was the point, it was awful. If that wasn't the point, what I saw was still awful.

I suspect it might have also tried to be "deep" with the story by having a civil war between two characters reflect Irelands civil war. If so, I still wasn't impressed. I'm guessing that critics over-inflated the review score of this movie because it's different and tries unusual things. I'm all for innovation for a feature film if/when it works to support the overall story.

But in this case I didn't get any deep emotional or intellectual payoff from the ambitious ideas. Overall it felt frustrating more than anything else.

It reminded me in a bad way of the Lighthouse movie a few years earlier with Robert Pattinson and Willem Defoe. Although this movie was better if I had to pick one over the other. However, they're two of the worst movies I've seen the last few years. And they both garnered award considerations for some incomprehensible reason to me.

My advice to viewers: stay away from Inisherin if you like to feel like there is a story in the film worthy of a feature length runtime. And to me that's essential for a movie to be great. I don't care how good the cinematography, special effects or acting is for a movie. If the story of the movie is bad or impossible to connect with, it's never going to be worthy of 75+ minutes of my undivided attention for a peice of art/entertainment. I don't care how popular or good the reviews are, or what else the filmmakers have created. Even spectacular filmmakers can produce some content on occasion that's just bad. The fact that it might also be different or ambitious should not be treated as a valid defense for boring, incomprehensible and/or pretentious crap.

Martin McDonagh once again proves he is at the cutting edge of black comedy, with another wildly funny and sharp film.

His latest, The Banshees of Inisherin, is essentially a break up movie, but not in the conventional sense. Instead of lovers at odds, we explore the fall out when Gleeson's Colm decides he's had enough of his life long friendship with Farrell's Padraic.

It is a unique conceit, and the result is a bitingly funny, razor sharp screenplay that has so many layers and depth to it. It never once drags or feels overworked, and the balance between drama and comedy is struck perfectly.

The performances from Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson are flawless. The comedic timing, the depth, the drama. Incredible. Supporting turns from Kerry Condon and Barry Keoghan are just as good, as are the result of the relatively small cast.

The film is beautifully shot, capturing the natural landscape wonderfully. The period (1920s Ireland), is also perfectly captured through the spot on costume and set design, really drawing you into the whole piece.

A truly masterful film and an absolute joy to watch.

I can't tell you how many films I have watched Recently where I have found them to be utter rubbish. Marvel films, most Netflix films and pretty much every box office film out for the last couple of years. I was starting to give up hope of ever seeing an intelligent film with beautiful cinematography. A film that made you think and a film that didn't have you reaching for your phone to try and figure out what the heck just happens in the none existent ending. Then me and my wife sat and watched this and we were immediately taken aback by how something so trivial could result in such a beautiful and edge of your seat film. The fact is you constantly are sitting watching wondering what will happen next and you can't help but watch until the end. It grips you and you will be enthralled with an array of emotions. This film is art and it is worth every second of your time. Thank you for redeeming my faith in modern films.