Tragedy and comedy are rarely as close as in the films of Martin McDonagh (52). To be “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” there were seven Oscar nominations. And this film also has excellent prospects for similar success. For ‘The Banshees of Ininsherin’ he brought together the main duo from his cult film ‘Bruges to See and Die’.
Story: A small village in Ireland 100 years ago. Padraic (Colin Farrell, 46) no longer understands the world. Overnight, Colm (Brendan Gleeson, 67) ends his friendship. At first he didn’t give any reasons. Padraic is unaware of any guilt, but stubborn Colm stands by and warns him: if Padraic doesn’t leave him alone, he will mutilate himself…
Farrell has already received the Venice Golden Lion for his role. He is also traded for the Oscar. Gleeson (Mad Eye Moody in “Harry Potter”) does almost nothing and that’s what makes him so expressive. He is a surly enigma.
The third protagonist is the rugged but undeniably beautiful Irish landscape. In the distance, bombs and grenades are heard. A civil war rages in Ireland.
The film’s strength lies in its calmness. Nothing happens except that two former friends no longer get along. McDonagh’s screenplay contains so much subtle humor, interesting food for thought and warmth of heart that it rarely gets boring.
Conclusion: funny story, how sad, how heartfelt about the beginning of a wonderful non-friendship. The first top movie of 2023.
(114 Min./FSK: ab 16 J.)
