Banshees of Inishrin is not only funny and heartbreaking, but it is also filled with symbolism about the Irish Civil War – particularly male conflict – which McDonough explores through Colm’s and Padraic’s parting.
Banshees of Inishrin is available on Disney+ and, with all the awards it has won and been nominated for, there’s plenty of reason to watch (or rewatch) it. Martin McDonagh’s movie remains an Academy Awards contender with many making predictions for both Best Picture and Colin Farrell (Best Actor).
This movie takes place in 1923 on the fictional island of Inisherin (literally meaning ‘Ireland island’ – not by chance), and follows two friends as they struggle to come to terms with their sudden breakup. Colm (Brendan Gleeson) suddenly decides he no longer wants to be friends with Padraic (Farrell), while Farrell struggles to accept this new development in their relationship.
Colm believes it’s because Padraic is dull and a drain on his creative energy; thus, Colm plans to write a musical opus in memory of him. Padraic may not be sophisticated, but he has an affable heart which often goes unnoticed. These two could be described as embodying opposing existential and religious types: those who live for posterity while living only in the moment.
Padraic’s friendship with Colm is unraveling, leading to Colm issuing an unexpected ultimatum: if Padraic doesn’t leave him alone, he will cut off one finger every time Padraic approaches him. Padraic is perplexed by this threat and Siobhan (Kerry Condon from Better Call Saul) begs him to leave Colm alone.
Padraic makes friends with Dominic (whose abusive father is played by Barry Keoghan), but his true passion lies within his miniature donkey Jenny whom he brings into the house despite Siobhan’s wishes. Unfortunately, Padraic cannot leave well enough alone and attempts to repair his relationship with Colm despite several failed attempts along the way.
Siobhan is offered a job on the mainland and torn about leaving her brother; Dom tragically commits suicide by walking into the lake and drowning himself. All of this occurs against the backdrop of Ireland’s Civil War which takes place on the mainland; gunshots and smoke can be heard and seen throughout Inisherin as people discuss what will become of them in future chapters.
Finally, Siobhan informs Padraic of her job offer and packs up to leave their house; he waves goodbye from a cliff edge as she makes her way towards the mainland. Meanwhile, an irate Colm throws one of his severed fingers at Padraic’s front door in sadness.
Padraic returns home to find his beloved Jenny dead, having choked on Colm’s finger. He apologizes to Colm and informs him that he plans on burning down his house the following afternoon at 2pm; all he asks is that Colm make sure his dog is taken out of the house beforehand.
Padraic fulfills his promise, picking up the dog and setting fire to Colm’s house while Colm is inside. In a letter addressed to Jenny, Padraic lies about how contented she must be with him in the house; then he buries her in the yard with a cross marking her gravesite.
Walking along the shore, Colm’s dog starts barking and runs towards him as if he has broken out of his house during the fire. Colm apologizes for Jenny’s passing and suggests they are now equals; however, Padraic insists this would only be true if Colm had remained in the house and perished.
Colm remarks, “I haven’t heard any rifle fire from the mainland in a day or two. Do you think they’re coming to an end?” Padraic responds with, “Oh yes. Soon enough they’ll start up again – some things cannot be forgotten – and that can only be for good.”
Padraic turns away, leaving Colm to thank him for looking after their dog. Padraic smiles back and says “any time.” Meanwhile, Mrs McCormick, dressed like the medieval embodiment of Death herself, watches from a hilltop.
Banshees of Inishrin is not only funny and poignant, but it’s also full of symbolism about the Irish Civil War – particularly male conflict. McDonough’s commentary is explored through Colm’s and Padraic’s friendship at its conclusion; at some point, whatever caused the initial friction becomes irrelevant and even forgotten.
Jenny’s death, an unintended outcome, caused a deep rift between them that can never be repaired. While there are still elements that bind them (such as shared compassion over their animals), there remains little hope that the conflict will ever be completely resolved.
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