The Banshees of Inishirin [Blu-ray]
(Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, et al / Blu-ray+Digital / R / 2022 / Searchlight Pictures)
Overview: From director-writer Martin McDonagh (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri) comes a unique film starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson.
Although P�draic (Farrell) and Colm (Gleeson) have been lifelong friends, they find themselves at an impasse when one abruptly ends their relationship, bringing alarming consequences for both of them.
DVD Verdict: The latest film from Martin McDonagh, and given how good his track record has been, I was really looking forward to this one. And thus, after now seeing it, I think I�d put it a little behind In Bruges and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (not by much) and ahead of Seven Psychopaths.
Like most of his films, it blends very dark comedy with very heavy subject matter, and here, the two are balanced exceptionally well. The premise is also an intriguing one that despite its simplicity, hasn�t been attempted by many other films (to my knowledge).
Essentially, there are two close friends, and one of them decides he doesn�t want to be friends with the other. The other naturally protests, with the first friend then threatening severe consequences if he continues to try and rekindle the friendship (or even talk to him).
There are hilarious scenes, really emotionally devastating scenes, and some scenes that do both at once. I think that overall, the best part of the film is its screenplay, as it balances the comedy and drama brilliantly, features exceptionally well written dialogue, and creates solid characters who you get to know well throughout the film. It helps that the acting is also great, especially Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson in the lead roles, of course.
There are a couple of minor side characters whose inclusion I didn�t think added much, and the final act is a bit oddly structured. The ending is also one I�ll need to sit with a bit, because it did leave me with an unusual feeling.
Returning to this film again may well improve it, as despite the simple premise, there�s a ton going on here, and a great deal to think about it. Indeed, the themes surrounding hate, fear of loneliness, a societal divisions, and the difficulty of forgiveness all feel very relevant to the 2020s, even while this film is set in the 1920s.
Special Features:
Featurette
� Creating The Banshees of Inisherin - Go into the inimitable mind of director-writer Martin McDonagh as he delves into The Banshees of Inisherin, from story inception and reunion of its gifted actors, to searching the islands of Ireland for the perfect, evocative locations
The film is Certified-Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes� and arrives on Digital December 13 and Blu-ray and DVD on December 20th, 2022, with never-before-seen bonus content featuring actors Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and director-writer Martin McDonagh.