Why 2022 Was the Year of the Donkey
The Banshees of Inisherin (Searchlight Pictures)
KEY COMPANION: Colin Farrell’s lonesome Irishman, Pádraic
PLACE ON CALL SHEET: Beloved sidekick
SYMBOLIC MEANING: When Brendan Gleeson’s Colm abruptly ends their friendship, Pádraic turns to Jenny—the only being he can give uncomplicated affection to.
BEHIND THE SCENES: Farrell says that his friendship with his furry costar (also named Jenny in real life) soured when she kicked him midfilming.
FOUR-LEGGED HEARTBREAK FACTOR: 💧💧💧💧
Aneta Gebska/Janus Films.
EO (Janus Films)
KEY COMPANION: Sandra Drzymalska’s ever-loyal Kasandra
PLACE ON CALL SHEET: Titular role
SYMBOLIC MEANING: After EO is harshly separated from Kasandra and the Polish circus that brought them together, he becomes living proof of resilience and survival.
BEHIND THE SCENES: EO was actually played by six donkeys: Tako, Hola, Marietta, Ettore, Rocco, and Mela.
FOUR-LEGGED HEARTBREAK FACTOR: 💧💧💧