Tragedy and comedy are rarely as close as in the films of Martin McDonagh (52). To be “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” there were seven Oscar nominations. And this film also has excellent prospects of similar success. For “The Banshees of Ininsherin” he has reunited the leading duo from his cult film “Bruges to See and Die”.
Story: a small village in Ireland 100 years ago. Padraic (Colin Farrell, 46) no longer understands the world. From one day to the next, Colm (Brendan Gleeson, 67) terminates his friendship. At first he didn’t give any reasons. Padraic is unaware of any guilt, but the stubborn Colm stands by and warns him: If Padraic doesn’t leave him alone, he will mutilate himself…
Farrell has already received the Golden Lion of Venice for his role. He is also traded for the Oscar. Gleeson (Mad Eye Moody in “Harry Potter”) hardly does anything and that’s what makes him so expressive. He’s a grumpy enigma.
The third leading lady is the rugged but undeniably beautiful Irish landscape. In the distance we hear bombs and grenades. A civil war is raging in Ireland.
The film’s strength lies in its calmness. Nothing happens except that two former friends no longer get along. McDonagh’s screenplay contains so much subtle humour, interesting food for thought and warmth of heart that it rarely gets boring.
Conclusion: Funny, how sad, how heartfelt story about the beginning of a wonderful non-friendship. The first top film of 2023.
(114 min./FSK: from 16 years)
