The Banshees of Inisherin: 2022, Dir. Martin McDonagh.
This film was beautiful. It was emotionally raw, unpredictable, funny, touching and heart-breaking. The film details the life of two close friends on a small island called Inisherin. However, one day Colm (Brendan Gleeson) abruptly ends his friendship with Padraic (Collin Farrell). Padraic turns to his community for answers but all are as baffled as he. So he continues to ask Colm, who becomes progressively more irritable until he turns to gruesome threats to try and deter Padraic. While Colm's reasoning for this breakdown in relationship is revealed to the audience his actions can never be deemed logical or reasonable. Padraic turns to some unlikely confidences and shows how closely a community like this can be pulled together. This film has many traits typical of the horror genre whilst nestling between comedy and heartbreak. It shows beautifully how even the smallest changes in a small isolated community can lead to a tidal wave of emotion and conflict throughout all who reside there. This film knows perfectly how to keep you laughing through even the toughest of subject matter and shows the importance of friendships and how fragile our bonds with those closest to us can be. The film lulls you into comfort with the imagery of Irish island landscapes, quaint farmhouses and warm cosy pubs then plunges you into a sea of male power, stubbornness and violence. It was a perfect story, perfectly executed.
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