The Banshees of Inisherin

What a film. I can't say it will resonate with you as it did with me, but The Banshees of Inisherin is a rich story that has something to say while knowing how to keep it simple without being superficial. It features excellent performances and beautiful scenery that I couldn't help but enjoy.

Of all the films I've seen this year, this one might have the simplest plot. In the most basic terms: Colm (Brendan Gleeson) doesn't want to talk to Pádraic (Colin Farrell) anymore, but Pádraic wants to talk to Colm, which annoys Colm. That's pretty much the essence of the first half of the film and much of the second. The setting is isolated, taking place on an island in rural Ireland, likely in the early 20th century. There's a civil war happening, but because of the island’s remoteness, it has little to no impact on the story and could easily be left out without affecting much.

This doesn’t mean it’s a bad film, though. None of this detracts from its quality; in fact, it enhances it. The setting is visually stunning, with lush green fields and stone walls that connect the small community. It serves as the perfect backdrop for a story where a simple disagreement is the main event for miles around. Despite their straightforward motivations, the characters are anything but simple. While Colin and Brendan lead the narrative, the supporting cast delivers standout performances. Barry Keoghan shines as Dominic, a troubled young man often looking for trouble but a loyal friend to Pádraic. There's also Pádraic's sister, who injects some much-needed common sense into a story that sorely lacks it. And that's not even mentioning the Garda, the bartender, and the ghoul—each actor plays their role to perfection in this ensemble.

While the film's somber tone might suggest otherwise, it's actually a comedy—a dark one, but a comedy nonetheless. This might be easy to miss on the first viewing since most of the dialogue and situations are presented seriously. The film doesn’t aim for laughs but is still dramatic, though occasionally it will surprise you with a smile or a dry chuckle.

The story may seem straightforward, but there are a few twists along the way. These don’t come from external elements like the civil war, but rather emerge naturally, like a snowball rolling down a hill and growing bigger as it goes. The film manages to surprise, especially on a first watch when you might think the stakes are low or that nothing major will happen. It's refreshing when a film with a seemingly simple plot can still catch you off guard.

I'll wrap this up before I give too much away, as I think I’ve said enough to spark your interest. I connected deeply with this film, but even aside from that, it's a well-made movie and definitely worth watching.
Adam Geraghty