There are a few types of films in the world. Some have scripts that are clear and straightforward, fully grasped upon viewing, but may lack a lasting impact. Others, on the contrary, might seem a bit obscure and challenging, but through contemplation, one can comprehend the creator's message. The most remarkable ones, however, manage to be both accessible on the surface and offer an experience that evolves with time— "The Banshees of Inisherin" falls into this category. It delves deep while allowing room for individual interpretation, turning a complex and weighty historical allegory into a dark comedy.
Virtuous or great? A Crisis of Existence
Set in 1923, "The Banshees of Inisherin" takes place on a fictional island off the western coast of Ireland. The slightly mystical setting adds to the story's atmosphere. As far as the eye can see, the island is covered in bare, gray-black stone formations, and the sparse patches of green grass appear lifeless. The crashing waves against the rocky shore, even through the screen, exude the island's harshness. Time seems to stand still here, and space is limited, going from home to the pub, or from the pub to the seaside. The island may offer scenic beauty and neighbors, which could be a relaxing getaway for tourists, but for lifelong residents, it's a prison of mind-numbing monotony.
Equally uninteresting are the main characters, Pádraic and his sister Siobhán. Compared to the sharp-witted Siobhán, Pádraic is an aimless middle-aged man with no ambitions or desires, spending his days at the pub chatting with his old friend, Colm. Days go by in this repetitive cycle, and Pádraic's future seems easily foreseeable until Colm unilaterally ends their friendship.
On an ordinary day, Pádraic goes to the pub as usual, only to find that Colm no longer speaks to him, and the reasons for this estrangement are somewhat elusive. Colm wants to focus on his music, and he realizes that his friendship with Pádraic has inadvertently wasted his time, turning him into a do-nothing person. The reasons are hurtful, and Pádraic, confused, cannot accept them. How could a friend who talked about everything become a stranger overnight? So, he continues to reach out to Colm, attempting to salvage their relationship. However, Colm's decision to end their friendship is not solely because of Pádraic; it's more about his dissatisfaction with himself. He wants to leave a lasting mark, to be remembered after he's gone, trying to make a change in his mediocre life. He contemplates whether to be a good person or a successful one, to be content with the present, or to desire a place in history. Colm clearly chooses the latter, willing to sacrifice everything rather than compromise. Colm tells Pádraic that every time he approaches him, he will cut off one of his own fingers, and he indeed follows through.
The character development in the film is intriguing. Colm and Pádraic represent two contrasting existential crises. When Pádraic asks Colm why he won't talk to him, Colm replies, "Because you're too boring." Colm's intolerance of Pádraic is not about what Pádraic did but rather Colm's own existential anxiety, searching for the meaning of his existence. But Pádraic doesn't understand this, and his existential crisis becomes his desperate desire to regain this friendship—a persistence that starts as confusion, then turns into anger. Little does he know that Colm's existential crisis is gradually evolving into a form of nihilism. The emotional tragedy of these close friends, with no one to blame, unfolds. It happens, and it irreversibly changes everything.
Sibling rivalry, a political metaphor for the Irish Civil War
Throughout the film, the islanders can frequently hear the distant sounds of war, and the stories of siblings destroying each other sound familiar, concealing a metaphor for the Irish Civil War. The film's timeline closely mirrors the Irish Civil War, which lasted from June 1922 to May 1923, nearly a year, and is also the time frame in which the film is set. Although it's a century-old event, the Irish Civil War still has significant implications for contemporary Irish politics. Occurring after the Irish War of Independence, the conflict arose from divisions within Ireland over the nation's relationship with Britain. One faction sought complete independence for Ireland (total separation from Britain), while the other accepted Ireland as a free state within the British Commonwealth. The lack of consensus between the two led to former allies who had fought together against the British becoming bitter enemies overnight. The brothers turned foes, perhaps more painful than if they had started as enemies.
With this context in mind, understanding the film's plot seems straightforward—the conflict between Colm and Pádraic mirrors the split between the National Army and the Republican forces in Ireland's struggle for nationhood. While the memory of fighting together against the British was still fresh, independent Ireland immediately descended into a more brutal conflict. Once like brothers, these two individuals have different visions for their nation, particularly regarding "independence." One wants complete detachment from any connection with Britain, while the other is content with independence without any further definitions. The origins of the war are insignificant; it merely stems from differing political stances, and no one could have foreseen how out of control the situation would become. In less than a year, the war claimed thousands of lives, surpassing even the casualties of the Irish War of Independence.
Stuck on an island is not the only option, and the female lead, who leaves everything behind, is one of the rare female characters in this male-dominated film. Yet, she is also the most intelligent and progressive character. Escaping senseless violence and tedious men may symbolize those Irish people who fled their homeland during the war. But we know that hatred, like an unhealed wound, persisted and led to more bloodshed during The Troubles in Northern Ireland from the 1960s to the 1990s, dividing Irish society for generations.
The intricate threads of history are elegantly woven into "The Banshees of Inisherin," creating a unique cinematic experience—a surface-level absurd comedy concealing a profound tragedy. What appears as the breakdown of friendship on the surface is actually the collapse of an entire society.
British director Martin McDonagh's Revenge and Destruction
"The Banshees of Inisherin" is the latest work by British director Martin McDonagh, following his 2017 film "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri." His scripts have always been intriguing. With his own Irish heritage, he now creates a work that directly confronts the cultural settings he is familiar with, which results in powerful chemistry. Characters in Martin McDonagh's works often have narcissistic traits, sometimes lacking empathy, and this film retains his signature dark comedy style, reminiscent of "In Bruges." However, "The Banshees of Inisherin" is somewhat different, focusing on how a person and a decent relationship crumble, leading to destruction, until the end of the film, which returns to McDonagh's recurring elements of revenge and destruction.
This is a film meant for the theater, where the grand screen enhances the scenic beauty and complements the music. An outstanding ensemble cast, including Brendan Gleeson, Colin Farrell, Kerry Condon, and Barry Keoghan, delivers exceptional performances. Coupled with McDonagh's clever script, which explores the notions of nationhood and friendship, the film ultimately delves into the concept of "loneliness."
Britain itself is an isolated island, and Ireland is isolated from Britain. Inisherin is even more isolated from the rest of Ireland. Modern loneliness doesn't necessarily come from physical isolation, just as the island's residents living in close proximity to neighbors can feel isolated and detached. Hatred becomes a weapon for those facing loneliness. Hatred is an alternative expression of love, so intertwined dependencies turn into mutual harm. Violence and bloodshed become a cyclical fate, much like the mournful toll of the banshee, symbolizing death. On this desolate island, where lonely people tend to cling to their obsessions, "The Banshees of Inisherin" is a film about persistence. Obsession leads to tragedy, and tragedy is a question with no answers. When the banshee's toll rings, perhaps only those who have left can truly return to reality.
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