In Review: The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)

Synopsis: The Banshees of Inisherin stars Colin Farrell as Padraic and Brendan Gleeson as Colm. The two men live on the isolated island of Inisherin in Ireland. They are best friends until a sudden fallout has lasting consequences. . .

Story

What looks to be a simple tale of rural Ireland is far from it. The Banshees of Inisherin doesn’t fit easily into a defined genre. That’s what helps to give the film such strength. It begins as a whimsical example of earlier times but is very much rooted in human psychology. However, the real and undeniable power of the story is the incredible writing. The way things develop is key to this movie, and that aspect is handled with absolute precision. What appears to be some quite standard exchanges of dialogue has potent subtexts that allow for the tension to be built up creepily.

Acting

Colin Farrell takes the top spot for a scintillating performance. We really get a reminder of just how great his acting chops are. This script was perfect for him to show so much difference, within a single role. It has it all. He’s the everyman, gives some great comedy moments, then deals with much darker themes. Though, he can’t do it on his own. The magnificent Brendan Gleeson is exactly that, in The Banshees of Inisherin. Again, Gleeson shows the domineering side of his character but maintains a sense of nuance which captures the complexity of things so well.

There’s a strong support cast too. Kerry Condon as Siobhan gives an essential further dimension to the film, as a go-between. She never once looks out of her depth next to Farrell and Gleeson. And Barry Keoghan threatens to steal the show as Dominic. Once more, he shines next to two superb actors who have brought their A-game to the set.

Visuals

We’ve adapted the usual ‘CGI & Effects’ category that SciFiPulse usually writes of, for this film. It’s not a sci-fi flick or even a fantasy film. But the way that it’s shot arguably puts it into the psychological horror category. The camerawork gives a deeply human feel to things and is superbly considered and rendered. At times it’s as if the location of the story is a character itself. This is clearly a smart, planned use of pathetic fallacy, and no mere accident.

Overall

The Banshees of Inisherin can be read as a dark fairy tale. Like all great stories, there’s no attempt to reinvent the wheel. The overarching theme is very much to be careful what you wish for. Whilst there’s no clear evidence, there are just enough elements (one crucial one) to consider this fantastic film as psychological horror. Certainly, the use of Gothic tropes is abundant. It’s the human monstrousness that’s drawn out that really resonates. A truly fine film . . .

The Banshees of Inisherin is out now, at selected cinemas.