© Walt Disney Germany
The Banshees of Inisherin
****
Ireland / UK / USA 2022 Opening January 5 , 2023
Directed by : Martin McDonagh Writing credits : Martin McDonagh Principal actors : Colin Farrell , Brendan Gleeson , Kerry Condon , Barry Keoghan , Gary Lydon
The end of a life-long friendship is always a tragedy ; perhaps even more so when it occurs in a small , tight-knit community like that of the fictional island of Inisherin on the west coast of Ireland . Everyone knows everyone there and , as the community is so small , there aren ’ t many options for socializing . When Colm ( Brendan Gleeson ) decides one day that he no longer wishes to interact with his long-time best friend Pádraic ( Colin Farrell ) due to the latter ’ s utter dullness , life on the island begins to go sideways .
There is much to appreciate in The Banshees of Inisherin , with its superb cast , understated screenplay , and beautiful cinematography . It ’ s a joy to see Gleeson and Farrell together again and Kerry Condon is an utter delight as Siobhan , Pádraic ’ s sister and the sole voice of reason . Likewise , Barry Keoghan continues to be one of the most intriguing actors of his generation , with his offputting portrayal of the disturbed son of the local policeman .
It is notable that the story takes place in 1923 , at the height of the
Irish Civil War when the country was split between the pro-treaty Irish Free State and the anti-treaty Irish Republican Army ( IRA ). The events are referenced a few times throughout the film , and while the allegory is not particularly hammered upon , it is rather easy to draw parallels between two former friends on a small island fighting over inanities and the larger ideological war occurring on the Irish mainland . Still , The Banshees of Inisherin is more focused on examining the ramifications a small act can have in a small community .
With its top-notch acting , scenic beauty , and clever script , there is something to appreciate here for any lover of understated black comedies . However , like many of Martin McDonagh ’ s previous works , it certainly leaves a lasting melancholic feeling long after watching and is certainly not suitable for those looking for a light film to lift spirits . The Banshees of Inisherin is funny , sometimes bizarre , and very often meaningful and will certainly go down as one of McDonagh ’ s best movies . 114 minutes . ( Rose Finlay )
Minding his own business at the Parisian skateboard park , Sebastian ’ s ( Robinson Mensah-Rouanet ) good deed backfires and Mom ( Caroline Anglade ) is not impressed . Days away from a trip to Prague , his antics change everything . After frantically contacting her topmost choices , Cécile phones Noémie ( Alice David ) and is not left hanging waiting for an answer . Although dangling while giving rock-climbing instructions with Gas ’ s ( Syrus Shahidi ) attentiveness from above , her sister says yes . Dropping Sebastian off at the
Belle & Sebastian-Ein Sommer Voller Abenteuer
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Belle et Sébastien : Nouvelle génération Belle and Sebastian : The Next Generation
France 2022 Opening January 5 , 2023
Directed by : Pierre Coré Writing credits : Cécile Aubry , Alexandre Coffre , Pierre Coré Principal actors : Robinson Mensah Rouanet , Michèle Laroque , Alice David , Syrus Shahidi , Aurélien Recoing
Belle continued on page 40
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