The tale of a lifelong friendship that comes to an abrupt stop just as the war is getting heated – The Banshees of Inisherin explores all about friendships, sacrifices, secrets, and war. Set on a remote island of Ireland in 1923, the story tells one’s effort and struggle to make amends to his life-long best friend, who one day just decides to walk away. The 2022 movie is a masterpiece made by director Martin McDonagh, with his unique sprinkle of dark comedy and a view of life during the war. As the characters guess the catalyst of the deterioration of the two men’s friendship, they take the audience with them throughout the journey.
Though focusing on a tight number of characters, they are all-rounded and well-written, pushing the movie’s plot forward and giving dimension to each one. The line-up for The Banshees of Inisherin is not to be messed with; it’s overflowing with talents and wits. Here is the cast and character guide of The Banshees of Inisherin.
Colin Farrell as Pádraic Súilleabháin
Pádraic is a simple man: as long as he has his animals fed, some pennies to spare for drinks, and his loved ones around, he’s the happiest man on the island. The man’s whole world is his simplistic and rewarding life – herding cows and enjoying a glass or two with his pals. That’s why, when his best friend ditches him out of the blue, he’s determined to find out why and possibly rekindle their bond.
Colin Farrell is nothing less of a legendary actor. He had an extensive and impressive career before The Banshees of Inisherin. He’s accumulated around 100 award nominations and more than 60 wins thanks to his stable and outstanding performances. Farrell is known for his roles in In Bruges (2008), The Lobster (2015), The Batman (2022), and After Yang (2021).
Brendan Gleeson as Colm Doherty
The other half of the friendship, Colm Doherty, is by all means the complete opposite of Pádraic. His worldview isn’t as simple as his best friend’s. Colm has come to the realization that he is mortal and wasting time living a slow life on the island, wasting away his precious and limited time drinking with Pádraic. He thinks now might be his last chance to reach what he’s ever wanted in life: making music.
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Brendan Gleeson has a just as impressive career as his co-star Colin Farrell. With a handful of prestigious awards under his name, he’s shown the world his endless talent and range in acting. His most known roles are in Calvary (2014), Paddington 2 (2017), and In Bruges (2008).
Kerry Condon as Siobhán Súilleabháin
Siobhán is Pádraic’s little sister and possibly one of the few logical people on the island. She takes good care of her brother and acts as a shoulder to lean on for him if life turns sour. She herself lives a slow life with her brother, but she deep down desires something more. Had she not cared so much for her brother, had he not needed her, she would’ve ditched the island and built a life according to her own standards.
Kerry Condon is not shy of award nominations and wins herself. She’s portrayed a good handful of successful characters, such as in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the voice of Friday, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017), and Better Call Saul (2015 - 2022).
Barry Keoghan as Dominic Kearney
Dominic, the son of a local policeman and the friend of Pádraic is known to have his own way of thinking that’s different from everyone else on the island – he is deeply naive and a young soul. He has some scars from his home life, such as his missing mother and strained relationship with his only remaining parent, his father. The bright yet deep-thinker young man is also known to have a crush on Siobhán. Dominic is all around an angel living in the wrong body.
Barry Keoghan is known for his deep portrayals in The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017), Dunkirk (2017), and The Green Knight (2021). He also has quite a handful of award nominations and wins for his work in The Banshees of Inisherin and The Killing of a Sacred Deer, among others.
Gary Lyon as Garda Peadar Kearney
Peadar, Dominic’s father, is a policeman who often abuses his power and takes advantage of his badge as much as he pleases. He is horrible at his job and is also an awful person in general. He’s an abusive father to Dominic, which is the biggest burden in Dominic’s life.
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Gary Lyon has had several big roles previously, such as in The Clinic (2003 - 2009), The Guard (2011), and War Horse (2011). He has also starred in several short films, such as An Encounter (2022) and Harvest (2021).
Patt Shortt as Jonjo Devine
Jonjo is the owner of the island’s pub, where Pándraic and Colm frequently hang out and vibe together. He’s a man of few words, as many bartenders should be, but he’s always listening to every news and rumor brought by his customers.
Patt Shortt is a legendary actor and writer known for his works such as Father Ted (1995 - 1996), The Guard (2011), and Killinaskully (2003 - 2008).
Sheila Flitton as Mrs. McCormick
Mrs. McCormick is a mysterious resident of the island whose presence can intimidate just about anybody. She is reserved and quiet, yet she knows many things about the island and its residents – she has eyes and ears all around the island. She has a way of stirring up opinions and confusion for everyone to feed on.
Sheila Flitton’s previous works that put her name on the map are among The Commitments (1991), This Is My Father (1998), and her more recent work is The Northman (2022).