The Banshees Of Inisherin
Last night I was flipping through HBO Max looking for something to watch, and landed on the 2022 movie The Banshees Of Inisherin.
I had heard a little about it so I knew the basics of the story, but watching the movie made an indelible impression anyway. Its not so much that it a great movie, although some people think it is, it is the subtext of the story that will make some in the audience uncomfortable.
The film takes place in 1923 on the small Irish island of Inishferin ( a fictional location) , which appears to be occupied by no more than a few dozen people. They are subsistence farmers without radios, newspapers, and very little contact with the outside world, although the mainland is a relatively short boat ride away.
One day a man approaches his friend to go to the pub and have a pint. The other man doesnt answer. Later he is seen at the pub and so the first guy (padraic) wants to know why he was snubbed. The second man, Colm, says he doesnt want to be friends with Padraic anymore because Padraic is "dull" and Colm wants to spend what remains of his life avoiding trifling dull conversations. Padraic is upset and confused. Colm is his only friend in the world.
The rest of the movie shows us this simple situation escalating and getting out of control , leading to violence, and well, insanity.
The thing that is most striking about this movie is how lonely these people are. They live in an isolated place and time, and dont have the opportunity or the education to experience anything more. Inishferin is a sad existence.
Padraic has a sister who loves him and tries to help him overcome his sorrow at losing his friend, but she cannot.
This is a "slow" movie where all of the questions are below the surface. What do friends owe each other, if anything? Is it more important to be nice while we are alive or remembered by others after we are dead? What does social isolation do to the human soul?
The Banshees Of Inisherin is one of the favorites for Academy Award nominations, and is sure to be well represented in the acting and screenwriting categories.
Don't believe I'll be cutting off my fingers because a ghosted friend still wants to talk.
Watched this a few weeks back and found it to be very strange.
It sounds interesting. It's worth a look
Looks like I have something to watch tonight.
Thanks
I thought is was an excellent movie, one of the best I've seen in recent years. Colin Farrell and Brandon Gleeson both deserve Oscars for their work.
On the one hand, it's an obvious allegory for the futility and stupidity of war. The Irish civil war is occasionally referenced and takes place off screen, as former friends on screen engage in horrible actions towards each other with the goal of hurting one another for reasons no one really articulate.
.But as John said, the movie is also very depressing on a basic human level as well. How just the removal of a single friendship and kindness can destroy what seems to be a perfectly happy life. Despite the jokes and banter, depression, violence and isolation are always just around the corner.
Totally agree - Colin was not the "gangster/tough guy" and Brandon wasn't the comedian - damn good roles and great acting.
This sounds a little depressing...
I have a love hate relationship with sad movies.
I need to watch the trailer but I am getting a little Manchester by the Sea vibes.
Just watched this. It reminded me of how many friends I have lost over the years because of stupid shit. Fuck ‘em. I did like the movie though.