The acting and scenery are marvelous, as others have noted. The plot as a metaphor for the Irish Civil War and so on. The strange sudden "unfriending" and the bizarre twists and turns it takes as a commentary on human nature and isolation amid a tedious present and an uncertain future.
The Banshees of Inisherin feels more theatrical than cinematic, with its small cast and beautiful but remote setting that is unmistakably Irish in its gorgeous dreariness.
The Banshees of Inisherin is about 'hubris'. In making his Confession to the Priest Colm admits to 'a little bit of pride'; and, perhaps aware of his own limits, and to atone for the sin of his hubris, Oedipus-like, Colm mutilates himself and makes a bloody sacrifice of his musical fingers.
The argument was made as part of a general critique of the film's hammed up Irishness: its seeming delivery of a barrage of stock tropes, stereotypes, and visual motifs that, from its opening scenes, screams: “Hold on to your flat caps… Here comes Ireland”.
The film received widespread critical acclaim, with particular praise for McDonagh's direction and screenplay, the performances of the cast, and Carter Burwell's score.
THERE GOES THAT DREAM || THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN || FIRST TIME WATCHING || Movie Reaction
How much did Colin Farrell get for Banshees of Inisherin?
Colin Farrell was reportedly paid $3 million for his Oscar-nominated role in 2022's The Banshees of Inisherin. Considering he was at one time earning $10 million a movie, this is somewhat of a pay cut, however considering the acclaim the role has earned him, it's unlikely Farrell is too upset about it.
What part did Woody Harrelson play in The Banshees of Inisherin?
Harry (Ralph Fiennes) from In Bruges and Bill Willoughby (Woody Harrelson) from Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri shoot themselves in the head, albeit for different reasons, but both get to have that final realization of how they got there - something that Ken, Hans, and Billy also got when they were given an ...
What is the metaphor behind The Banshees of Inisherin?
The Banshees of Inisherin poignantly depicts a tale of despair and friendship in which despair overpowers friendship mostly throughout the film and this despair stands as a metaphor for the collective angst of Irish people during the Irish War of Independence.
The film begins, however, with Colm refusing to speak to Pádraic. Eventually, Colm tells Pádraic that he simply doesn't like him anymore. The root of that dislike comes from their difference in intellect and interests. Colm is a fiddler and composer, introspective and artistic.
It's subtle, notable, and effective at displaying how depression and loneliness change how we act with each other and the world at large. Passing on the local news to neighbors becomes a chore and an act to avoid, or even a spot you used to hang out suddenly feels poisoned, and your desire to be there vanishes.
It's a deeply cynical story with an achingly human message, a meditation on the way we define ourselves through others. One cannot pin their failures on a friend, nor can they use a peer as proof of virtue. We are our own individuals and must recognize ourselves as such.
Barry Keoghan, who plays a youth possibly on the autism spectrum, is terrific as Dominic. It is he who is sharper (and kinder) about life's fallacies, accepting the bad hand he has been dealt by gods of fate.
I found that there were several ways people decided to interpret this film. Some theorized that Colm and Pádraic's conflict is a metaphor for the Irish civil war. This would make sense as neighbor turned on neighbor without warning during the war.
What is the main point of The Banshees of Inisherin?
The message of the film is the downfall of culture and the way loss can destroy someone. With the two leads serving as metaphors for the Irish as a nation, the message of the film can be read as a cautionary tale.
Why is The Banshees of Inisherin considered a comedy?
To call "The Banshees of Inisherin" a black comedy would be somewhat of an understatement, but if you pay attention and listen very closely, almost every line of dialog is understatedly hilarious, but set within a context so dire that the effect is muted by the desperation and solemnity of the characters.
While the answer to what are the banshees of Inisherin may remain elusive, many are curious whether the film is based on a true story. As it happens, the Golden Globe winner is a complete work of fiction. However, Martin McDonagh did draw from a lot of real-life history to craft its setting.
Why does he cut his fingers off in Banshees of Inisherin?
He was willing to compromise himself - to cut off a part of himself, in rejection of what the other side stood for, which he saw as unsophisticated and inferior (although Siobhán is shown to be the most intelligent character in the story - perhaps she represents those who emigrated during the War of Independence).
What's wrong with Dominic in Banshees of Inisherin?
Keoghan also infuses the character with new layers, his eyes betraying an ever-present sadness and his mannerisms indicating that Dominic's so-called dimness might also be related to a neurological or psychiatric disorder.
What does the ending of Banshees of Inisherin mean?
The ending of the film sees Pádraic and Colm's feud escalate to devastating consequences, with deaths and acts of self-mutilation occurring. The ending highlights the deep divide between Pádraic and Colm, and their inability to reconcile or find peace, ultimately leading to their own destruction.
Is there a hidden meaning in The Banshees of Inisherin?
The Banshees of Inisherin can be perceived as a parallel to the Irish Civil war, which tore the land apart due to a conflict between once close civilians, fracturing friendships and destroying blood bonds.
What does the donkey represent in The Banshees of Inisherin?
The gentle creature is a mirror of sorts for Pádraic, whose blissful, easygoing nature is destroyed by the end of the film when – major spoiler alert! – Jenny dies. "It's the death of Pádraic's innocence. Jenny represents that," Farrell says.
In one way, the growing animosity between Colm and Pádraic directly mirrors the Irish Civil War, where it can be argued that Pádraic represents the Free State forces and the self-sabotaging Colm is akin to the IRA.
Throughout the film, Colm grows increasingly frustrated that Pádraic has not taken his hints about ending their friendship – even going so far as to cut off one of his fingers every time his former pal attempts to speak to him.
The 'Inisherin' of the title is a fictional island, but the film is shot on two: Achill Island in County Mayo and Inis Mór, the biggest of the Aran Islands in County Galway. A journey to each island brings much of the imagery and experiences from the film to life.
