Cillian Murphy has tackled his latest role by going down the opposite route in terms of character, following his Oscar-nominated success in the Christopher Nolan blockbuster, Oppenheimer. The Irish actor portrays Bill Furlong, a coalman in a small town in Wexford, southeast Ireland. Despite being a seemingly respectable and decent man, Bill is still plagued with trauma from the death of his mother during his childhood. When he sees Sarah, a young, unmarried, and pregnant woman being taken into a convent, he begins to question whether he can stand by and allow such horror and complicity to continue.
Small Things Like These is an adaptation of Claire Keegan’s novel of the same name, and it uncovers the shamed history of Ireland’s so-called Magdalene Laundries. Thousands of young, pregnant women with nowhere else to go were imprisoned, stripped of their identity, and worked relentlessly for most of the 20th century. In this powerful depiction, Murphy leads with his casting alone, proving yet again why he has become such a revered actor.
Directed by Tim Mielants, the movie offers a sombre, slower-paced approach that may deter some viewers at first glance. Yet, with careful direction, shadowy cinematography from Frank van den Eeden, and subtle, measured performances across the board, the film’s rich tone of regret, guilt, and unspoken malice comes across. The moral dilemma that faces Bill is a weighty one, and he understands the consequences and power wielded by the nuns and the church in the town. It could cost him dearly to take a stand.
In one of the film’s standout scenes, Bill is coerced into having tea with and taking money from Mother Mary. Emily Watson portrays the role of the nun who insidiously threatens like a mob boss, and her presence remains terrifying despite being on screen for only a few minutes. With Matt Damon as one of the movie’s producers, it’s easy to see why this adaptation of Keegan’s novel will capture the attention of those who appreciate intelligent filmmaking.
As of now, a release date for Small Things Like These remains unconfirmed. However, NME attended a special screening at the Berlin Film Festival, which will only add to the growing anticipation for this powerful movie
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