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A review by patchworkjester
The Pillowman by Martin McDonagh
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Favourite modern play I've read thus far- shame I couldn't see it performed! It truly seems like a once in a lifetime experience and even just reading it is a truly harrowing experience. While it definitely isn't for the feint of heart, it's something I would highly recommend to people who enjoy dark and twisted stories that mess with your mind a bit along the way.
While the actual murders are never explicitly described, rather being told through the in-universe short stories that inspired them, even just the implications snapping into place is a mortifying feeling. The twist near the end, too, is simultaneously shocking and fantastically set up in prior scenes.
While the actual murders are never explicitly described, rather being told through the in-universe short stories that inspired them, even just the implications snapping into place is a mortifying feeling. The twist near the end, too, is simultaneously shocking and fantastically set up in prior scenes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Child abuse, Violence, Child death, and Torture
Moderate: Suicide, Confinement, Blood, and Ableism
Minor: Incest, Rape, Alcoholism, Fire/Fire injury, Adult/minor relationship, and Gun violence