Review of The Banshees of Inisherin (2022) by Mattyice — 20 Nov 2022

Martin McDonagh makes his return after a five year absence with The Banshees of Inisherin, and I must say it's his best work since In Bruges. The duo of Collin Ferrell and Brendan Gleeson each provide standout performances, as well as the rest of the small cast of this film, while the plot is tightly told with none of the unnecessary pretension one usually finds out of an artsier film.

McDonagh blends witty black comedy with a simple yet powerful story of the abrupt ending of a lifelong friendship that will leave you laughing at one moment and saddened in the next. Its themes regarding loneliness (specifically repressed loneliness amongst men), the nature of inter-social relationships, and greater meanings in life are truly phenomenal and expressed in a simple, melancholic way that will leave one thinking about where they are and who is in their life.

The only flaw I can truly mention regarding this film is the fact the film is quite bleak, which makes it not much of a rewatch. However, for a one time viewing, The Banshees of Inisherin is 100% worth a watch and will certainly make you think, laugh, and cry.