The Unforgettable and Moving Story of Friendship: The Banshees of Inisherin Review

Martin McDonagh has always had a way of drawing in the viewer and making them expect one thing, yet throw something completely different at you. Within the first 2 minutes the sets a perfect pace for what's to come. The soreness and sorrow between the two best friends are felt the moment Pádraic lays eyes upon his best friend Colm, who has, within the change of the morning decided to ignore his best friend. From that moment the disputes start the tone and atmosphere are set up brilliantly and are carried out wonderfully by the acclaimed director.

I felt a sense of impending doom nestled within the wonderful Irish accents and mannerisms. Only when the two best friends speak do you remember that there is supposed to be this sudden sadness and despair for Pádraic who now, on the small Irish island, has lost his best friend.

The film takes you on sudden, gut-wrenchingly grim scenes coupled with the delightful humour that comes with the personalities of the town folk of Inisherin. The director also nestles in the conflicts of outside parties such as the ongoing civil war in Ireland quite well. There always seems to be a hint of a war going on in the distance, yet the community is so detached from the mainland that it fades as soon as the sounds flee.

Now, despite some very slight draws in the main plotline and progression of the story, this is another wonderful addition to the collection of McDonagh's films. Personally, I still prefer In Bruges to his later works, however, The Banshees of Inisherin gave me a sense of nostalgia for the banters between Colin Ferrell and Brendan Gleeson that were portrayed within that film.