The Banshees of Inisherin Parental Guidance Review and Ratings. Age rating, objectionable content, positive messages, cast overview, and family suitability.
- VERDICT: “The Banshees of Inisherin” is not recommended for families due to its explicit content, mature themes, and triggering scenes.
- Release date: October, 2022
- Director: Martin McDonagh
- Writer: Martin McDonagh
- Stars: Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Kerry Condon, Barry Keoghan
- Genre: Drama, Tragicomedy
- Rating: R
The Banshees of Inisherin
The Banshees of Inisherin is a 2022 black comedy-drama film written and directed by Martin McDonagh. It stars Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Barry Keoghan, and Kerry Condon. The film follows two lifelong friends on a remote Irish island who find their friendship tested when one of them suddenly ends it.
The film is a dark and twisted tale of revenge, but it is also surprisingly funny. McDonagh’s dialogue is sharp and witty, and the performances by Farrell and Gleeson are top-notch. Keoghan is also excellent as the troubled young islander Dominic.
The film is set on a remote island off the coast of Ireland, and the isolated setting helps to create a sense of claustrophobia and tension. The film is also beautifully shot, with stunning visuals of the Irish landscape.
The Banshees of Inisherin is a dark and funny film that will stay with you long after you’ve seen it. It’s a must-see for fans of McDonagh’s work, and it’s sure to please anyone who enjoys a good dark comedy.
Having said that, this film is rated R, meaning it has some objectionable content that you may find offensive for your family. Let dive in and see more clearly.
Age Rating and Content Warnings
“The Banshees of Inisherin” is rated R and contains content that may not be suitable for children. Parents should exercise caution and consider the following content warnings:
- Mild sexual references
- References to masturbation
- Discussion of impure thoughts and sexual abuse
- Partial nudity with visible genitalia
- Moderate violence and gore
- Moderate profanity, including uses of “fuck” and “feck”
- Occasional use of “shit” and “shite”
- Occasional use of religious exclamations
- Depiction of alcohol and smoking
- Frightening and intense scenes, including suicide and self-mutilation
Positive Messages
“The Banshees of Inisherin” explores themes of family, redemption, and the consequences of one’s actions. It portrays the importance of confronting past mistakes and seeking forgiveness. The movie also emphasizes the value of supportive relationships and the power of community in overcoming challenges.
Suitability for Children and Families
Due to the explicit content and mature themes, “The Banshees of Inisherin” is not recommended for children or young teenagers. The movie’s rating indicates that it is intended for adult audiences. Parents should consider their child’s age and maturity level before deciding whether to allow them to watch this film.
It’s important to note that the movie contains scenes and dialogues that reference sexual topics, including masturbation and sexual abuse. There are also instances of partial nudity, with a man seen naked for an extended time, showing visible genitalia. The portrayal of violence and gore is moderate, and the movie includes several instances of strong language, including multiple uses of “fuck” and “feck,” as well as some uses of “shit,” “shite,” and religious exclamations.
Additionally, “The Banshees of Inisherin” includes scenes that may be distressing for some viewers. There is a depiction of a young man’s suicide, which can be triggering for individuals who have contemplated suicide or have been affected by it. Furthermore, the death of an animal and the implied threat to another animal in the third act are meant to be distressing as well. Finally, self-mutilation is portrayed when a character cuts off his own fingers.
What You Should Know
1. What is the age rating of “The Banshees of Inisherin”?
“The Banshees of Inisherin” is rated R, which means it is intended for adult audiences. The movie contains explicit content and mature themes that may not be suitable for children.
2. Can my teenager watch this movie?
While the movie is rated R, it ultimately depends on your teenager’s maturity level and your own comfort with the depicted content. If you feel your teenager is emotionally prepared and able to handle the explicit scenes and mature themes, you may choose to watch it together and engage in discussions afterward.
3. Is there any sexual content in the movie?
Yes, there are mild sexual references and discussions in “The Banshees of Inisherin.” This includes a brief reference to masturbation, a conversation about impure thoughts, and an accusation of sexual abuse. Additionally, there is partial nudity with visible genitalia during a scene.
4. How violent is the movie?
“The Banshees of Inisherin” contains moderate violence and gore. While it is not excessively violent, there are scenes that may be intense or distressing, such as the depiction of a young man’s suicide and a character self-mutilating by cutting off his own fingers.
5. What profanity can be expected in the movie?
The movie includes moderate profanity, with approximately 50 uses of “fuck” and “feck.” There are also a few instances of “shit” and “shite” being used. Additionally, there are occasional uses of religious exclamations such as “Jesus” and “Jesus Christ.”
6. Does the movie depict alcohol and drug use?
“The Banshees of Inisherin” features a pub as a key location, so there are scenes showing characters drinking alcohol and smoking. However, the depiction of alcohol, drugs, and smoking is relatively mild and not the main focus of the story.
7. Are there any positive messages in the movie?
Yes, “The Banshees of Inisherin” explores themes of family, redemption, and the consequences of one’s actions. It emphasizes the importance of facing past mistakes, seeking forgiveness, and the power of supportive relationships and community.
8. Is there any content that may be distressing for viewers?
Yes, “The Banshees of Inisherin” includes scenes that may be distressing for some viewers. This includes the depiction of a young man’s suicide, which can be triggering for individuals who have contemplated suicide or have been affected by it. There is also the death of an animal and a brief implied threat to another animal in the third act, which is intended to be distressing. Furthermore, self-mutilation is portrayed when a character cuts off his own fingers.
9. Can I watch this movie with my family?
“The Banshees of Inisherin” is not recommended for family viewing due to its explicit content and mature themes. The movie is rated R and intended for adult audiences. It is best to consider the age and maturity level of your children before deciding whether to watch it together.
10. How can I discuss sensitive topics portrayed in the movie with my child?
If you decide to watch “The Banshees of Inisherin” with your older teenager or as an adult-only movie night, it is important to be prepared for meaningful conversations. Before watching, discuss the movie’s themes and content with your child, ensuring they are emotionally prepared. Afterward, be available for open and honest discussions, especially if certain scenes or topics were distressing. Use the film as an opportunity to discuss sensitive topics such as mental health, abuse, and forgiveness, offering guidance and support.
11. What should I do if my child becomes upset or disturbed by the movie?
If your child becomes upset or disturbed by “The Banshees of Inisherin,” it’s important to provide comfort and reassurance. Encourage them to express their feelings and thoughts about the movie. Listen attentively and validate their emotions. If necessary, seek professional help or counseling if your child continues to be deeply affected by the content.
12. Can the movie have a triggering effect on survivors of abuse or individuals struggling with mental health?
Yes, “The Banshees of Inisherin” contains content that can be triggering for individuals who have experienced abuse or are struggling with mental health issues. The explicit scenes and themes related to abuse, suicide, and self-mutilation can evoke strong emotional responses. If you or someone you know may be triggered by these topics, it’s important to prioritize self-care and avoid watching the movie or seek support from a mental health professional if needed.
13. Is there any strong religious content in the movie?
While “The Banshees of Inisherin” includes occasional religious exclamations such as “Jesus” and “Jesus Christ,” there is no strong religious content that plays a central role in the storyline. The movie focuses more on family dynamics, redemption, and personal struggles.
14. Can watching this movie have a cathartic or healing effect for some viewers?
“The Banshees of Inisherin” explores deep emotional themes and personal struggles, which can resonate with certain viewers. For individuals who have experienced similar challenges or can relate to the depicted situations, watching the movie may provide a sense of catharsis or validation. However, it’s important to approach the film with caution and be mindful of one’s emotional well-being.
15. Is “The Banshees of Inisherin” based on a true story?
“The Banshees of Inisherin” is a work of fiction and is not based on a true story. The storyline, characters, and events depicted in the movie are products of the creative imagination of the filmmakers.
Tips for Parents
If you decide to watch “The Banshees of Inisherin” with your older teenager or as an adult-only movie night, here are some tips to consider:
- Discuss the movie’s themes and content with your child beforehand to ensure they are emotionally prepared.
- Be available for open and honest conversations after watching the film, especially if certain scenes or topics were distressing.
- Consider watching the movie together to provide guidance and support throughout the viewing experience.
- Use the film as an opportunity to discuss sensitive topics such as mental health, abuse, and forgiveness.
- Monitor your own reactions and emotions while watching, as this can influence how your child perceives the content.
The Verdict
“The Banshees of Inisherin” is a mature film that deals with complex themes and contains explicit content. While it offers thought-provoking messages about family, redemption, and community, parents should exercise caution before allowing their children to watch it.
The movie’s rating and content warnings indicate that it is best suited for adult audiences. If you choose to watch it with older teenagers, be prepared to have meaningful discussions and provide emotional support.
Ultimately, the decision to watch this film should be based on your child’s maturity level and your own comfort with the depicted content.