Having grown up in the west of Ireland this movie works on two levels. There is a fantastic, very dark comedy here for the general audience with a tight snappy script, excellent pacing that contains twists and tension, a basic yet compelling who-done-it (really who-will-do-it) plot all backed up by fantastic performances from all the cast headed by the unparalleled Brendan Gleeson.
However for Irish people there is a totally different movie here, one that hits uncomfortable close to realism which may surprise the greater audience. All natives know the failing grasp the Catholic Church has on the west of Ireland and the effect that certain revelations of the last decade have had on it's followers which form the backbone of the movie. The death of the 'Celtic Tiger' and it's consequences on society are superbly captured by Dylan Moran and his crushing depression. The influence of western culture and media and the biased opinions and attitudes of certain section of the public while comically portrayed for the wider audience, may leave some Irish people moving uncomfortably in their seats. The genius of director John Michael McDonagh is to shoot all this with unflinching realism against beautiful shots of that world famous Irish countryside. It heightens the irony of the film, having this broken society, violence and corruption set starkly against such idyllic and peaceful landscapes. Much darker and a more complete film than John Michael McDonagh's hilarious debut 'The Guard' this is an enjoyable, confusing and surprisingly intimate portrayal of a small community that all can enjoy but a warning to my fellow Irish brethren, don't be too surprised if you don't laugh along as loudly as everyone else in the theater and leave with a certain feeling of unease after it is all over, for me, that is the true genius of this remarkable and highly recommended film.
