The Banshees of Inisherin
Two lifelong friends find themselves at an impasse when one abruptly ends their relationship, with alarming consequences for both of them.
Despite a mid-range budget of $20.0M, The Banshees of Inisherin became a financial success, earning $49.3M worldwide—a 147% return.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
The Banshees of Inisherin (2022) exhibits carefully calibrated story structure, characteristic of Martin McDonagh's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 54 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.9, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Pádraic walks to Colm's house at 2pm as he does every day, ready for their usual afternoon pint. The simple, unchanging routine of island life is established.. Of particular interest, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 14 minutes when Colm delivers his ultimatum: if Pádraic speaks to him again, he will cut off his own fingers with shears, one by one. The threat makes the rupture absolute and dangerous.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 28 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This demonstrates the protagonist's commitment to Pádraic actively chooses to confront Colm in the pub, breaking the silence despite the warning. He cannot accept the end of the friendship and crosses into a new reality where consequences will escalate., moving from reaction to action.
At 56 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Notably, this crucial beat Colm cuts off more fingers and throws them at Pádraic's door. The stakes have raised—this is no longer about friendship but about self-destruction. False defeat: Pádraic seems to accept it's truly over, but the worst is yet to come., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 84 minutes (73% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Jenny the donkey dies from choking on Colm's severed finger. The death of innocence—the one pure thing in Pádraic's life is destroyed by the feud. Pádraic's kindness has led only to loss. The "whiff of death" is literal., reveals the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 93 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 82% of the runtime. Pádraic confronts Colm with a new synthesis: he will burn down Colm's house while Colm is at his mother's wake, threatening Colm's dog. He has learned cruelty, transforming from nice to mean. He chooses revenge., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
The Banshees of Inisherin's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs structural analysis methodology used to understand storytelling architecture. By mapping The Banshees of Inisherin against these established plot points, we can identify how Martin McDonagh utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish The Banshees of Inisherin within the drama genre.
Martin McDonagh's Structural Approach
Among the 3 Martin McDonagh films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 5.6, showcasing experimental approaches to narrative form. The Banshees of Inisherin represents one of the director's most structurally precise works. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Martin McDonagh filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional drama films include Eye for an Eye, South Pacific and Kiss of the Spider Woman. For more Martin McDonagh analyses, see Seven Psychopaths, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Pádraic walks to Colm's house at 2pm as he does every day, ready for their usual afternoon pint. The simple, unchanging routine of island life is established.
Theme
Colm states: "I just don't like you no more." When pressed why, he says he wants to spend his remaining time creating something lasting (his music) rather than dull conversations. Theme stated: art/legacy vs. human connection/kindness.
Worldbuilding
Establishment of the island community, Pádraic's simple life with sister Siobhán, his friendship with troubled Dominic, the backdrop of the Irish Civil War across the water, and the shock of Colm's sudden rejection.
Disruption
Colm delivers his ultimatum: if Pádraic speaks to him again, he will cut off his own fingers with shears, one by one. The threat makes the rupture absolute and dangerous.
Resistance
Pádraic debates how to respond. Siobhán advises him to leave Colm alone. The priest gives useless counsel. Pádraic oscillates between acceptance, confusion, and attempts to understand what he did wrong.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Pádraic actively chooses to confront Colm in the pub, breaking the silence despite the warning. He cannot accept the end of the friendship and crosses into a new reality where consequences will escalate.
Mirror World
Pádraic's relationship with Siobhán deepens as she becomes his primary emotional anchor. She represents the kindness and human connection Colm is rejecting, embodying the thematic counterpoint to Colm's artistic isolation.
Premise
The promise of the premise: watching the absurd escalation of the feud play out. Colm cuts off his first two fingers. Pádraic befriends a miniature donkey. The island gossips. Dominic provides comic relief and tragic foreshadowing. Life continues against war's distant backdrop.
Midpoint
Colm cuts off more fingers and throws them at Pádraic's door. The stakes have raised—this is no longer about friendship but about self-destruction. False defeat: Pádraic seems to accept it's truly over, but the worst is yet to come.
Opposition
Everything closes in. Siobhán decides to leave the island for the mainland. Dominic's abuse from his father worsens. Pádraic's beloved miniature donkey Jenny chokes on a severed finger and dies. Pádraic's isolation and despair deepen.
Collapse
Jenny the donkey dies from choking on Colm's severed finger. The death of innocence—the one pure thing in Pádraic's life is destroyed by the feud. Pádraic's kindness has led only to loss. The "whiff of death" is literal.
Crisis
Pádraic processes his grief and rage. Siobhán leaves the island. Dominic drowns himself in the lake. Pádraic sits in darkness, his kindness and simple worldview shattered. He must decide what kind of man he will become.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Pádraic confronts Colm with a new synthesis: he will burn down Colm's house while Colm is at his mother's wake, threatening Colm's dog. He has learned cruelty, transforming from nice to mean. He chooses revenge.
Synthesis
Pádraic executes his plan, burning Colm's house (but saving the dog). The final confrontation at the shore where Colm admits Pádraic is not dull, just that Colm panicked about his legacy. They reach a cold détente.
Transformation
Pádraic stands on the beach with Colm. "Some things there's no moving on from." The closing image mirrors the opening routine, but Pádraic is transformed from innocent to hardened, kind to cold. The feud will continue indefinitely, like the civil war behind them.