On a remote island off the coast of Ireland in 1923, Colm (Brendan Gleeson) unexpectedly, and suddenly, ends his lifelong friendship with Padraic (Colin Farrell). Confused and hurt, Padraic tries to repair the relationship. Although, his sister Siobhan (Kerry Condon) and troubled youngster Dominic (Barry Keoghan) advise against it.
I was one of the few people who did not warm to writer/director Martin McDonagh’s debut feature, in Bruges. Maybe it was because the person who I watched it with, hated it. I have really enjoyed his follow up work, Seven Psychopaths and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, so I was looking forward to the re-teaming of the In Bruges stars in this comic drama.
There are many funny moments in the first half, thanks to the sharp dialogue. However, the latter stages move into more tragic territory and are quite affecting. In fact, McDonagh’s film is actually mostly about despair and mental health, despite the trailer making it look like a quirky comedy.
The performances are all excellent, with Condon particular brilliant as a rare voice of sanity on the island.
Rating: 7.5 out of 10