Film - The Banshees of Inisherin

We chose this for my first visit to the Odeon with a view to becoming a Limitless member. The Banshees of Inisherin has the film-maker Martin McDonagh’s usual blend of humour and despair and reunites Colin Farrel with Brendan Gleeson.

We are on a remote island in the early 1920s where the bombing on the mainland can be heard. Former best friends Pádrac and Colm are dealing with the consequences of what can only be described as a breakup. I have ‘broken up’ with two close friends over the years so I emphasise with Colm who has decided he wants to live out the rest of his life differently to the one where he had things in common with Pádrac. The film portrays the devastation in Pádrac (Farrel) as he does everything he can to right whatever unknown wrong he has done to his friend. 

Meanwhile, Colm in desperation is getting on with his life, doing the things he wants to do - write and perform music and hang out with musicians - for what he thinks is only a few short years of left. (Again, I emphasise).

With only one pub that they both frequented together on daily basis, things are hard for Pádrac and his much cleverer sister who he lives with after the passing of their parents. He leans on his sister and a troubled young islander for support.

The Banshees of Inisherin sure delivers. 

The Odeon experience is as lux as they say and it ought to be for £15 tickets.

When I first joined Cineworld/UGC back in 2006, I recall off-peak tickets were under £4. However, we saw this film on a Monday, the discounted night. However, the room was freezing. Thankful I bought my long coat and wrapped it right around me and I was still cold. We gave feedback and an apology came with seemingly immediate action. I’ll try another Monday before I commit to membership only after I return from the November holiday. I’m sure it will be good once they turn the ferocious (and expensive) air con off.

7½/10