The Banshees of Inisherin

Directed by Martin McDonagh, The Banshees of Inisherin details the consequences that ensue after Brendan Gleeson’s Colm informs his friend, Colin Farrell’s Pádraic, that he no longer wants anything to do with him. Filmmaker McDonagh, armed with his own scerenplay, delivers a low-key and often excessively deliberate endeavor that never quite becomes as engrossing or captivating as one might’ve anticipated, and yet it’s equally clear that The Banshees of Inisherin, suffused as it is by a plethora of compelling elements and attributes, remains quite watchable for the duration of its (palpably overlong) running time – with Ben Davis’ gorgeous cinematography, Carter Burwell’s memorable score, and the first-class performances perpetuating the picture’s entertaining atmosphere. (Gleeson and Farrell, in terms of the latter, have probably never been better, ultimately.) In spite of all its positives, however, The Banshees of Inisherin falls just short of the spellbinding greatness McDonagh has surely intended and there is, as such, little doubt that certain moments, particularly within the second half, are lacking an expected emotional, impactful punch – with the end result an exceedingly well-made drama that feels like it could (and should) be so much better.

*** out of ****