Barry Keoghan Interview: The Banshees of Inisherin

The Banshees of Inisherin star Barry Keoghan discusses his love for Martin McDonagh, exploring a brighter character than normal, and more.
The Banshees of Inisherin is now in select theaters.
screenrant.com
/ screenrant
/ screenrant
/ screenrant

[@jamesdrynan]

Barry Koeghan's portrayal of the dim but lovable Dominic is superb! His scene by the lake is extraordinary. The nuances of facial expressions and body language he delivers in a brief two minutes are brilliant. Baring his soul only to face Siobhán's delicate refusal. His softly said, " Well, there goes that dream, " tears your heart out! Brilliant!

[@vickyengler21]

i actually thought this scene was funny as hell. at least when i watched it everyone laughed at it

[@ruxleec]

@@vickyengler21 And that's what so strong about his performance, that's what is so strong about McDonagh's writing - Dominic was The Tragedy of the entirety of the piece, but we accept his boyoshness, 'simpleness' such that the other characters 'tragedies' are that much more trivial for an overall positive experience as opposed to ..

[@franzpoekler]

I did not feel like his character was supposed to be dim tbh

[@timgreenglass]

@@franzpoekler in a way, he was the most intelligent character.

[@anthonycrawford379]

Couldn't agree more. That scene was truly stunning. I can't remember a more subtle acting performance on the screen.

[@monmorelord6368]

Barry did one of the best acting performance I have seen in a long time ...AMASING

[@josephoconnor1785]

Shocking

[@monmorelord6368]

@@josephoconnor1785 yeah ? and what have you produced creativley or otherwise that anyone would bother to look at ? ...I'd venture nothing So would you ever feck off

[@josephoconnor1785]

@@monmorelord6368 iv been in many films to date . Far and away Into the west In the name of the father Legends of the fall Now what films have you been in

[@monmorelord6368]

@@josephoconnor1785 if you have a platform then maybe use that to criticise the film and/or acting rather than throwing negativity heres .or create a platform if you feel it needs your criticism as this just looks like sour grapes.. I trained as an actor but have not been in films only stage but I am not negative about this film that is loved by many... so I have nothing to prove but you obviously feel different with your language and negative pot shots..

[@josephoconnor1785]

@@monmorelord6368I'm aloud have my opinion my friend I dont have to agree with you and you don't have to agree with me the film in my opinion was terrible

[@misohai]

This guy actually stole the show from a couple of real scene stealers.

[@daddyleogamingchannel5356]

He does it in every film he's in. Great actor.

[@gillowens24]

He fanastics actor.

[@charold3]

Movie you mean? Yes-agreed. But it’s not like the other actors were Scott Baio.

[@sherryyeager4973]

He was amazing!

[@lindawitt9063]

Absolutely, he did

[@Couly]

The way there's a civil war on the mainland mirroring the civil war on the small island was subtly brilliant.

[@barryb90]

This lad is some actor. I remember he had a small part in Love/Hate a decade ago then he started popping up in big movies. He steals every scene he's in.

[@troygaspard6732]

His performance is heartbreaking. Beyond expectations.

[@onecutabove8029]

THAT last scene in the movie (trying to not reveal it) - he absolutely nailed it. Every sentence and facial expression was so heartfelt.

[@aroundtheclouds1]

Yep. While others in the theater laughed, I was bawling. Heartbreaking.

[@freemangriffin4953]

My favorite acted scene of 2022 by far! He and Kerry Condon - I would love for them both to win Oscars!

[@romilrh]

"There goes that dream..." 😭😭😭

[@dcool2u2]

It was heartbreaking

[@mountrobson1]

The scene by the lake is the best I've seen in a supporting role since Montgomery Clift in "Judgement at Nuremberg". Absolutely stunning!!!

[@naomm8832]

barry keoghan totally blew me away with his performance. him playing the supposed idiot of the island but with such heart and sensibility and somehow emerging as much more than just the punchline, he totally killed it. just really great stuff.

[@ellenespejo6441]

This guy deserves an Oscar already, his acting blew me away!

[@sammj3248]

My choice for best supporting....deserves it!

[@alliefee8596]

I work with special Ed students & I felt like BK really got that performance so perfectly. The way he moved even his eyes was so spot on

[@kathrynbentley5128]

thanks for raising that aspect of the film, I've recently retired after 8 years working with Uni students with additional needs and his physicality, eye movements and unexpectedly awkward demeanour were incredible.

[@rootsm3]

Seeing Irelands best actors on screen was such a treat

[@christinayoo1190]

He really looks so young for his age. I watched the Banshees of Inisherin movie and was surprised how he could still play a boy character and he even nailed it.

[@anthonycrawford379]

Barry was astonishing in that film. I can't wait to see what he does next.

[@bgwinn]

Quite the resume Barry is amassing. Besides his talent as an actor, he obviously has a keen eye for quality projects to be a part of.

[@stabcitySB]

You said it!

[@bansheeofinisheerin]

I mean when Martin McDonagh calls you don’t fecking say no

[@billmorris2337]

Brought tears to my eyes....my heart was broken over the sadness of Dominic....Barry was AMAZING!!!!

[@mariasharp2334]

He was absolutely brilliant. Heartbreaking.

[@jamesdrynan]

As a connoisseur of acting, I think Keoghan's two minute scene with Siobhán is Oscar-winning. Every wipe of his nose, his twisted fingers, his body language is heartbreakingly performed.

[@freemangriffin4953]

My choice for Best Supporting Actor of 2022 is Barry Keoghan for The Banshees of Inisherin - my very favorite acted scene from this past year was the scene by the river between his character Dominic and Kerry Condon's character Siobhan. Just the best! I just love this movie so much and his performance is so incredibly special! (:

[@razzle1964]

It’s a tough movie to watch in some respects & I’m still picking it apart in my mind to balance the humour with the heartbreak … (both my missus & I left the cinema with tears in our eyes). Barry’s performance would be worthy of an award for Supporting Actor, I felt.

[@rikjamesguitare]

I assure you Gleeson and Colin will be automatically nominated (best and supporting)....but truth is the whole cast was great. Fingers crossed Barry is on the ballot too 🤞

[@razzle1964]

@@rikjamesguitare Also, going by a couple of ads I’ve seen, I suspect the movie will be on Film 4 (a co-backer) over Xmas!

[@freemangriffin4953]

Barry Keoghan is my choice for Best Supporting Actor of 2022. Many think Ke Huy Quan will win and he's great too but BK is my choice by far! Just love it!

[@aidenfermanagh6207]

I watched the movie on a very grey day. Went to see the film as I have visited some of the locations where Banshees was filmed. Definitely a tough watch yet its scenes and themes have come back to me since seeing it. It is now available on a channel I subscribe to. I think I will watch it again, to take in even more of its beauty, horror, and subtle nuances. Barry Koeghan was brilliant.

[@Insp.CountMortisWinshipKlaw]

​@@aidenfermanagh6207 The film is a very dark satanic film. Colm is a demon pursuing Podraics soul. Colm's house has a big red blood red door, very noticeable like Hell. Colm's house is littered with pagan symbolism of demon masks and figures Colms companion is a dog. In the occult dogs are associated with demons In medieval times the fiddle/violin was associated with satan/pan, to lure those onto the demonic left hand path. Evidence of this is in the scene where Colm with no fingers teaching music in the bar. The drums almost hypnotic while he splashes blood all over the bar table like a seance. It was a disturbing scene. Colm lost interest in Podraic because he was just a good soul, nice. He only regained interest when Podraic got drunk and angry. Negativity is a drug to the demonic side. Colm removed his left fingers because he felt like a failure. Unable to capture Podraic to the left hand path. This changed as Podraic became resentful and angry due to the rejection and loneliness. Colm taunted Podraic, his sister, the priest and others in the town in an attempt to lure them, claiming they all thought like him In the satanic occult ritual sodomy is used to convert those and open up the gateway to hell. The penis is referred to the Babylonian finger. Every thing changed when Podraics donkey/ass was killed by a finger. It is a reference to ritual sodomy We see Colms house on fire as Podraic looks through the window. Colm is relaxed and not bothered by the flames engulfing him. This isn't normal. Colm knows he won't die and that's why we see him unscathed on the beach There is so much more. Watch the film again. It is full of despair and demonic references and rituals. Show less

[@kooltom4]

Barry Keoghan is extraordinary in this film.

[@HKSAR55]

" There goes that dream" Beautifully sad.

[@robinjohnsen-malone9942]

Feckin LOVE THIS GUY. FROM A CANADIAN WHO LIVES IN THE UK. BEAUTIFUL MAN. I CRIED WHEN HE DIED. 😢💔💔

[@bcm-n7244]

He is so overlooked by critics and the audience in this movie he deserves more.

[@blackbirdflyyx]

I wouldn’t say his performance was overlooked at all by anyone. He’s been nominated for all the major awards-Golden Globes, Critics Choice Awards, SAG Awards and, of course, the Oscar’s-and rightly so.

[@jj-if6it]

not at all

[@moderndayheretic]

The exact opposite is true

[@aap2310]

Not anymore.

[@Elassyahmed]

A beautiful and nuanced performance that takes wisdom and experience beyond his age

[@89thebrood]

I googled “nuanced” such a tonic learning new meanings.

[@mukundramanan6295]

To play something that is so much outside your original character, and to do it so seamlessly, is commendable. Incredible performance, Barry Keoghan.

[@superlornap]

Brilliant performance. Oscar worthy 👏🏻

[@wiinterflowers4277]

I wish him all the best for his career and his life.

[@jameseyk1]

Awesome performance. Oscar at some point will be inevitable for this fella.

[@fuzzy1237]

Superb film Superb acting He was amazing in this

[@poppyseeds1844]

You're so right to curate the director's, roles, others you work with. I wanted Banshees to win. You were super and smart.

[@jackiecampbell7903]

He would have to be nominated for best supporting actor...brilliant performance!!

[@shirleyoriordan3890]

An excellent performance by Barry - it felt genuine and made me cry

[@marynoonan6111]

This actor was bloody amazing. In fact, he should get an Oscar for best supporting actor. I thought he was an absolute scene stealer.

[@Quahogger]

One of the best movies ever. The casting was perfect. I’m going to see it again and again.

[@LS-fe4ob]

So proud of Barry 🇮🇪 and congratulations to him on his wee son ❤

[@jenny-bu4le]

so amazing that barry can recognize the rhythm and cadence in the script

[@hakukuze7947]

If he doesn’t get nominated for best supporting actor, it shows you how bogus the Oscars are. Absolutely original and memorable performance. Every twitch, phrasing, hand and body movement was a scene stealer.

[@alpinion323]

He did though. So... are the Oscars legit now?

[@RobAntDen]

So now that he is nominated, does that mean if he doesn't win they are still bogus. If the Oscars are so bogus, why do you want him to be nominated?

[@hakukuze7947]

@@RobAntDen Oscars is voted by people in the industry. Let’s pick sound design, you really think the actors have any clue how that’s done or why the cinematography of one was superior to the other. It’s not a science but a feeling. With acting the feeling at least could be closer to the truth. So do I think it’s bogus, hell yeah. But even when u watch something as ridiculous as the Oscars, which by itself is purely for entertainment and self glorification to help careers, you still want someone who shows something unique to win. I am not one to shy away from saying something different than I said before as mood, food and circumstances on some that’s trivial as this changes our outlook. The whole thing is a circus but sometimes fun to watch and as one who loves the underdog, I wanted this guy to get ahead in the industry if this helps his career as it looks like he has a lot to show us in the coming years. Watch the Dustin Hoffman accept speech for Kramer vs Kramer. He puts it much more eloquently than I can and note that he just won the award. Still I am glad if he was actually nominated as you say, that alone will put more eyes on him.

[@ghoulish6125]

Barry is one hell of an actor and destroys every supporting role he tackles. Big fan.

[@AdeDaviesWales]

Genuinely think he deserves at least a BAFTA or even an Oscar.

[@helenrowley3979]

Absolutely amazing actor. His performance was mezmorizing in this

[@motiveintentionsincerity1925]

Truly a amazing submersion into character, well done Barry you nailed it. Excellent performance. The portrayal of the storyline, and of the all the characters psychology make this movie a masterpiece of how saddening this world still is.

[@nomis3626]

One of the most underrated actors of this generation and in a world without rigged Oscar Nominations he would be on!

[@TheBerylknight]

Underrated? The guy is worshiped. Give me a break.

[@kevinchamberlain7928]

Certainly, Barry Keoghan added the seasoning to an already perfectly finished dish! He had me laughing my Jameson's right back out of my mouth! Out of his depth? Not a chance! He was absolutely essential to the the whole story, added needed humour with perfect timing script-wise, only to come full circle of desperate sadness with that bloody gaff he found at the start! This lad was comfortably ensconced amongst the very finest of casts. Should he wish to gift us with more of his talent, his future is certain.

[@chris623able]

American animals is another good one calm with horses also... I havent seen a movie hes in that hes not good in... maaaybe the eternals

[@kevinchamberlain7928]

@@chris623able I'll take a look! Thank you.

[@natty8891]

An amazing and thought provoking movie…talented cast….

[@_Cristina_]

Terrific actor.

[@C4rL72]

stunning performance, cant get enough of him on screen

[@Masterpieceman16]

I felt bad for his character in the movie. He did a phenomenal job playing him

[@bluesky7288]

What a great young actor with a unique look.

[@tiredofit4761]

I watched this movie last night. He is such a relatable character. You feel for him so much. Such great acting!!

[@lynnecain4228]

Extraordinary actor!

[@fuzzy1237]

The lake scene is heartbreaking

[@Nicovertime]

All in on Barry Keoghan

[@bobpritham2660]

He did an amazing job in BANSHEES OF INISHERIN.

[@cynthiaroberts4775]

He's a creature. A beautiful, beautiful creature.

[@virion3270]

If he doesn't win an Oscar for this movie, he will soon enough. Guaranteed.

[@annemarie9271]

Loved loved this film. One of 2022 favorites. It was sad and funny and easy on the eyes with the scenery. Music was very fitting and relaxing most of the time. I laughed and cried. Hope to spread the word so every one watches it.

[@iwannabeedouard1610]

Has to get an Oscar

[@louisa6948]

An absolutely wonderful, thought-provoking film, with an equally amaaaaaaaaaazzzzzing cast...I'm including the landscape and the animals too....mind-blowingly great!

[@prod6mill.512]

so excited for this newer generation of actors

[@jacquelineithell307]

HE IS MAGNIFICENT ENOUGH SAID

[@rikjamesguitare]

Fuckin McDonagh....he can make a brilliant story outa anything. Something as simple as 2 friends breaking up on a small island. It takes a out- of- box genius to make that simple childish premise into something phenomenal and complex.

[@ormsnev]

god i just love him🫶🏻 makes me proud to be Irish🇮🇪

[@moragdalgleish8386]

Fabulous actor

[@sam1555]

INCREDIBLE performance!

[@erinspurpleheart]

He was brillant in the film

[@evazieglerova3437]

Bravo. Thank you. All the best. Unforgettable work. Bravo again. :-)

[@fugiikowa]

Think Bary is a top shelf actor. Destined for big things!

[@katharinebuckman2815]

Yup - Barry nailed Dominic. Very cohesive interview. Thanks

[@azdrone233]

Such a sad sweet scene when Siobhan turns him down

[@alastairs3727]

amazing peformance in a sublime film, fantastic work

[@laurent7549]

Ce film m'a "touché". merci.

[@SJ-wq3os]

An amazing talented actor

[@aidenfermanagh6207]

Lovely performance in a film that has been in my thoughts often since seeing it.

[@beckr11]

Well, there goes that dream. Devastatingly real, and something I've gone through. He deserves all the nominations for that scene alone.

[@deirdreruane8104]

Touché.Barry..u were a revelation...

[@Backpfeifengesicht45]

Any other year, he'd be a shoe in for an Oscar

[@aap2310]

Barry Keoghan and Kerry Condon are brilliant actors.

[@rd_1550]

He deserves a best supporting Oscar nom

[@padowado]

Brilliant 2 minute scene between Kerry and Barry.....THERE GOES THAT DREAM......Patrick in Ireland

[@BeanoMark]

He could easily play a young Bono for a U2 biopic.

[@EughhBrothereughh]

Dude is self made 😭✨💖 God bless

[@chrisbyrne5358]

Awww, he’s all grownup now

[@anasalgado7302]

I hope Banshees win best picture

[@MuMu-fu7qe]

Lovely bloke

[@KARamil]

The screenplay is a really enjoyable to read

[@garrybaldy327]

Interesting, my favourite line "Don't be putting ideas in me head that weren't there in the first feckin place, ya feckin nutbag" wasn't in the script at all. I wonder if it was a very late addition, or if it came out of rehearsals.

[@celticlofts]

Dominic: Look what I found, a stick with hook on the end of it... I wonder what you'd use it for? To hook things that are the length of a stick away ...

[@LetsThinkDog]

God I love him ❤

[@waynemcauliffe2362]

Can`t see this in OZ till after Xmas

[@davadh]

Legit one of the funniest movie of the year, tragic but hilarious

[@sebastianalegria3401]

I actually liked Barry's performance in The Banshees of Inisherin and for those who don't know this, he will play Joker in The Batman's new sequel, starring Robert Pattinson. And from what I could see, his Joker's character looks scary, however I don't think this new Joker is better than Joaquin Phoenix's, but he could surprise us.

[@ruxleec]

Oscar for Supporting Actor in a Feature

[@marshdell]

OMG Barry IS Dominic!

[@anaijad]

he reminded me of leo in what’s eating gilbert grape

[@kathleenscullion8348]

Thank you for your comment. I absolut6loved Golbert Grape,both the book and the film. You offered a poignant insight.

[@RH1812]

Great film. The Killing of a Sacred Deer part deux

[@paudsmcmack3117]

What he hit you with, the kettle....I wouldnt of minded if it wernt for the spout!

[@juliele7213]

amazing fucking movie

[@tennistank7606]

Mythical, he likes that one

[@wallybingbang4350]

I expect to see you in the next Ridley Scott Movie 🥹

[@jayceewriter7826]

Barry ye can get to those islands by ferry too ✌🏻

[@mollydooker9636]

It was filmed on Achill , there’s a bridge, you can drive.

[@jayceewriter7826]

Not all of it. It was filmed on Aran and Achill

[@garrybaldy327]

There's a very disturbing father & son scene that got deleted. Adds more darkness to Dominic's arc, but I'm glad they left it out.