Every day, Movipage recommends a film to watch on television. Tonight: Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson reunite in one of the most beautiful films of 2022.
Nearly fifteen years after directing them in “In Bruges,” director Martin McDonagh brings together actors Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell once again in “Les Banshees d’Inisherin.”
The film’s story is set in 1923, as the Irish Civil War is drawing to a close. On Inisherin, an isolated island off the west coast of Ireland, two lifelong friends, Padraic and Colm, find themselves at an impasse when Colm abruptly decides to end their friendship. Stunned, Padraic refuses to accept the situation and tries everything to mend their relationship. However, his repeated efforts only strengthen his former friend’s determination. When Colm eventually issues a desperate ultimatum, events take a turn for the worse, with dire consequences.
Enhanced by the rugged beauty of the landscapes (the film was shot on the islands of Inishmore and Achill, off the west coast of Ireland) and perfectly performed, “Les Banshees d’Inisherin” is one of the cinematic highlights of 2022. It’s nearly impossible to categorize—it’s simultaneously funny, tragic, pathetic, and tender. With a deep sense of absurdity and satire, Martin McDonagh explores human nature and the necessity of learning to live together, lest we descend into destructive madness.
With nine Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay, “Les Banshees d’Inisherin” may have left the awards ceremony empty-handed (with “Everything Everywhere All at Once” being the big winner that night). However, “Les Banshees d’Inisherin” did win the BAFTA Award for Best British Film.
“Les Banshees d’Inisherin,” directed by Martin McDonagh and starring Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, and Kerry Condon, is a haunting and thought-provoking film that should not be missed.