The Banshees of Inisherin: Martin McDonagh’s period drama portrays a friendship at a peculiar juncture, its tail end; the situation is particularly unique because its state is unilateral, and because, even at its more dramatic moments, there’s still a deep care of these two men for one another. The idyllic setting, a small island off the coast of Ireland where nothing ever happens, perfectly sets the mood, of quiet satisfaction with more than a hint of sadness, which informs the characters’ attitudes. The film turns out to be rather entertaining, in spite of its quiet sorrow, due to the dialogue and the fine performances of the four principal players. Colin Farrell plays the slightly dull but very caring man, truly at a loss with the sudden decision of his best friend to cut ties; he nicely projects both the man’s simpleness and dejection. Kerry Condon has the best performance in a film filled with solid acting, as his sister, a woman who is smart enough to see the hopelessness of the whole situation. Brendan Gleeson plays the former best friend, a man increasingly irritated by the hard time the protagonist has respecting his wishes. Barry Keoghan is quietly showy as the young man who is truly, and tragically, simple. The film’s aesthetics are appropriate, with costume designer Eimer Ni Mhaoldomhnaigh and production designer Michael Standish providing quiet and effective work, all nicely captured by the fine lensing of cinematographer Ben Davis. Nice musical score by composer Carter Burwell.