The Banshees of Inisherin
The Banshees of Inisherin
Two lifelong friends find themselves at an impasse when one abruptly ends their relationship, with alarming consequences for both of them.
Kevin Ward reviewedJuly 3, 2025
This is such an Irish movie. Darkly funny. Melancholic and depressing, yet simultaneously almost sweet and hopeful. Colm (Brendan Gleeson) one day seemingly just decides he no longer likes his best friend Pádraic (Colin Farrell). Pádraic’s existence is essentially turned upside down. The fictional island of Inisherin is depicted as just off the coast of Ireland’s mainland. Close enough to see and hear bombardments of the Irish Civil War, but disconnected enough to not have a dog in the fight. As Pádraic desperately seeks out answers for as to why Colm could literally cut himself off of his friendship, it invites questions about the nature of friendship, our basic need for connection, and the destructive power of despair and loneliness. Really wonderful film from Martin McDonagh. And though it’s Farrell and Gleeson’s film through and through, Kerry Condon and Barry Keoghan were excellent in support. Condon in particular was incredibly charming.