Searchlight Pictures film The Banshees of Inisherin earned a 13-minute long standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival. Directed by Martin McDonagh and starring Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and Kerry Condon, the dark comedy-drama tackles the complexities of toxic male pride.

The film stars Farrell as Pádraic and Brendan Gleeson as Colm, two longtime pals living on Inisherin island – until suddenly, one day, Colm declares that he no longer wants to be friends with Pádraic, whose stunned protestations only make things worse. Also in the mix is Barry Keoghan as Dominic, another local caught up in the conflict, and Condon as Pádraic’s sister Siobhán.

The film is set on an imaginary Irish island in 1923 during the Civil War. It focuses on two best friends who suddenly have a falling out, and the consequences it sets off for both of them. A story of "wounded male feelings" and a "dance of death between aggression and self-harm," according to the Guardian.

McDonagh reunited In Bruges stars Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson for the project. The astounding debut ended with a passionate standing ovation, where Farrell even went into the crowd to take photos with fans. The reaction to the film was so intense, ushers had to escort the crowd out of the theatre so as to not interfere with the next film premiere. This was the loudest and longest ovation for any film debut at Venice this season.

This film will make Farrell eligible for his first Best Actor nomination, and is a strong contender for Best Picture.

The Banshees' was filmed on the west coast islands of Inishmore and Achill. The characters also speak in the western dialect of the time, something which McDonagh was aware might slip past certain audience members from other countries

"When I’m watching Mean Streets or Goodfellas, I’m hearing 90% of it, he told Vanity Fair. "I’ll miss some Italian or New York dialogue, every couple of lines. But it doesn't matter. I’m going with it."

The Banshees of Inisherin will arrive in cinemas on October 21st.