The Banshees of Inisherin

I sat down prepared for an outstanding movie, what I got was nothing close to what I was expecting.

As my title states, the actors could not be faulted in any way, as I found them to be superb, having me hooked with their interactions. Colin Farrell with the most screen time simply shines, having me wish he were more prolific in projects. Brendan Gleeson also does a stellar job, as does Kerry Condon. Even the other minor characters were well written and very well acted by their respective actors. I can't think of a single actor who did a poor job, heck even the animals did a good job. Excellent cinematography as well.

However, while the dialogue was extremely well written, the script itself was somewhat lacking. I kept waiting for the payoff during the movie that simply never came, making me wonder what I just watched.

Go in for the acting and you will not be disappointed, however the overall story might let you down.

Super locations. Great photography. Masterful Production design. The acting is world class. So why didn't I enjoy this film? Because it promises to say something and goes nowhere. I'm obviously in the minority here but I wish my expectations hadn't been raised so high. It's dark but a slow almost empty darkness. I'll forget this film very quickly. Which is a good thing for me but doesn't say much for the quality of the story. It feels like there was much more there somewhere but it didn't make it out. Perhaps watching it on a rainy Monday evening didn't help. Also please don't go thinking this is a comedy or anything at all like 'In Bruges'. It's very far from funny. It's very far from the quality of that film.

I couldn't tell if it was trying to be profound, subtly comedic, thought-provoking or all of the above. It kind of failed at all of them.

I don't think it deserves the praise it has received - it was okay, it had some mildly amusing moments but it had one storyline which doesn't really go anywhere and I soon lost interest. In Bruges was superb and I watched again in advance of going to see this. Maybe I shouldn't have, as this just doesn't get anywhere near it for comedy, warmth or character development.

The acting is brilliant, the scenery is spectacular, but I just didn't get it. It was... okay.

It's hard to tell if this is a wonderful dark comedy or a a Shakespearean tragedy. Served by a magistral group of actors and actress, "Banshees" takes you to stunning Irish landscapes and numbs you with its comfortable scenery, cute farm animals and lovely violin tunes in the good old pub... Until men display a classic story of pride and stubbornness.

Like a dark children tale, the movie seems to be a metaphor of the stupidity of war and humanity's contradictions. Collin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and a scene stealing Barry Keoghan are just wonderful at creating those flawed and unique men spiraling into their destiny. While Kerry Condon as the reasonable woman represents perfectly the fatality of this world.

Martin McDonagh created a fantastic piece of filmmaking, a sadly very timely message that I would love to see adapted as a play.

Enjoyed this far more than I expected. The plot feels both incredibly simple and deeply symbolic. So much so it leaves you pondering it's meaning long after the credits roll.

What's better - to lead a simple but honest, good life or be remembered for something deeper and more far reaching - and indeed why should there be a choice between the two?

The love for the animals gives the characters a sweet charm and innocence, and they're all still likeable despite strangeness and flaws.

It is strange, at times funny, poignant, sweet, and most certainly watchable. Great acting all round and a breath of fresh air.