The Banshees of Inisherin (15)
Directed by Martin McDonagh

WITH its UK premiere at this year’s BFI London Film Festival Martin McDonagh’s third feature film is a painfully funny yet terribly sad and deeply dark comedy drama about the breakup of a friendship.

Writer-director McDonagh (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri) reunites with his In Bruges stars Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson who play lifelong friends Padraic (Farrell) and Colm (Gleeson) living on the fictional island of Inisherin off the west coast of Ireland.

Padraic is dumbfounded when Colm abruptly cuts him out of his life demanding an explanation: “You didn't do anything to me. I just don't like you no more,” reveals Colm.

Patraic’s refusal to accept Colm’s decision results in alarming consequences for the two of them as the film spirals down a surprisingly disturbing and macabre path.

Set in 1923 against the back drop of the Irish civil war and while the island and its residents seem to be unaffected by it Patraic and Colm’s disintegrating relations and escalating conflict mirrors the violent events unfolding on the mainland.

Farrell and Gleeson are a magical double act. Farrell, in particular, gives the performance of his career — Oscar worthy — as the exceedingly nice but dim Padraic while Gleeson is wonderfully grumpy and taciturn as the ageing Colm; a musician who just wants to write music and leave a lasting legacy rather than waste the time he has left with his dull former friend.

They are joined by an excellent supporting cast which includes Kerry Condon, sublime as Patraic’s whipsmart sister Siobhan, desperate to escape her lonely life on Inisherin, and Barry Keoghan as the local policeman’s son who is considered dim-witted but is quietly wise and amusing.

Shot on the islands of Inishmore and Achill with their stunning landscapes, plays a vital role in the film.

McDonagh has this innate ability to interweave comedy and tragedy seamlessly within a single scene packing in an emotional punch.

Possibly his finest work to date it is best seen knowing as little as possible about it beforehand and just enjoy this remarkable cinematic journey.

Out in cinemas October 21