Movie Rewiew: The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)

Last weekend, I watched The Banshees of Inisherin, a 2022 English language film directed by Martin McDonagh. The movie is set on a quiet fictional island off the coast of Ireland during the Irish Civil War. It stars Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson, whose performances felt deeply personal and emotionally raw.

Image Source: edited in Leonardi

Plot Summary

The story follows Pádraic, a simple and kind hearted man who suddenly finds himself cut off by his lifelong friend Colm. Without any clear explanation at first, Colm decides he no longer wants to speak to Pádraic. What begins as a confusing personal conflict slowly turns into something much darker and more tragic. As I watched, I felt the tension grow with every interaction, especially as misunderstandings and stubbornness pushed both characters toward irreversible decisions.

Themes and Meaning

One of the strongest aspects of the film is how it explores loneliness, pride, and the human fear of being forgotten. While watching, I could not help but notice how the broken friendship mirrored the wider civil war happening in the background. The movie made me think about how small personal conflicts, when fueled by ego and silence, can become deeply destructive.

Performances

Colin Farrell’s performance as Pádraic really stood out to me. He portrayed innocence and heartbreak in a very believable way. Brendan Gleeson was equally powerful, playing a man obsessed with legacy and meaning. The supporting cast added emotional depth, especially in scenes that quietly showed the impact of the conflict on the entire community.

Cinematography and Atmosphere

The island scenery was beautiful yet isolating. The wide shots of the sea and empty landscapes gave me a strong sense of loneliness and emotional distance. The calm visuals contrasted sharply with the growing inner turmoil of the characters, which made the experience even more intense.

Personal Takeaway

After watching The Banshees of Inisherin last weekend, I was left thinking about how fragile relationships can be and how silence can hurt more than words. It was not an easy or cheerful watch, but it was deeply meaningful. The film stayed with me long after it ended, which to me is a sign of powerful storytelling.