Small Things Like These Review

Small Things Like These Review | Adam Manery | Small Things Like These quietly snuck up on me and ultimately became one of my favorite films of the year. Directed by Tim Mielants and based on Claire Keegan’s 2021 novel, this historical drama is a haunting and meditative exploration of trauma, grief, and moral courage. Set in 1985 Ireland, it stars Cillian Murphy as Bill Furlong, a coal merchant whose discovery at a local convent forces him to confront his past and the harsh realities of the present.

What is Small Things Like These About?

Despite premiering at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival in February 2024 to positive reviews, Small Things Like These has flown under the radar for many audiences. The muted response is appropriate, I suppose, as it thrives on subtlety and quiet introspection. Its storytelling mirrors the emotional repression and moral dilemmas faced by its characters, particularly Bill.

At its core, the film is less about the explicit horrors of the Magdalene Laundries—institutions where young women were exploited and abused by the Catholic Church—and more about Bill’s response to the situation and how it reflects his own trauma. The story is personal, introspective, and deeply tied to the broader context of systemic injustices. Cillian Murphy, who also serves as a producer, has noted that while this particular example is unique to Ireland, similar atrocities have occurred worldwide, drawing parallels to Canada’s residential schools.

A Personal Project for Cillian Murphy

Small Things Like These is the first production from Cillian Murphy’s company, Big Things Films. While Murphy initially wasn’t convinced that Keegan’s novel lent itself to a film adaptation, after sitting with the material and discovering that the rights were still available, he championed its adaptation.

This co-production with Artists Equity, founded by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, reflects Murphy’s growing role as a filmmaker, and with another upcoming film, Steve, coming from Big Things Films, we can clearly see that Murphy intends to make his mark in the world of film beyond acting. This new film is also directed by Tim Mielants and stars Murphy. It is set to release on Netflix in 2025.

A Film About Trauma and Choices

Murphy’s personal investment in Small Things Like These is palpable. His performance as Bill is deeply internalized, portraying a man grappling with past loss and the weight of moral choices. The film is as much about his character’s pain and resilience as it is about the historical injustices that serve as its backdrop.

Murphy described the project as an opportunity to explore trauma through art, calling it “a gentler way of looking at trauma.” This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the film’s approach. Rather than dwelling on the explicit horrors of the Magdalene Laundries, it examines the human response to such injustices, particularly Bill’s.

The screenplay, adapted by Enda Walsh, remains faithful to the source material. Walsh, who had worked with Murphy on stage before, retained much of the novel’s original dialogue. Eileen Walsh, who co-stars as Bill’s wife, was even performing in one of Walsh’s plays when she joined the film. This close-knit collaboration between the director, writer, and cast results in a cohesive narrative that focuses on quiet moments of reflection and moral reckoning.

Subtle Visual Language

The cinematography by Frank van den Eeden is a triumph. From its opening shots of small-town Irish streets, the film establishes a stark, desaturated aesthetic. Crushed shadows and an omnipresent haze give the visuals a bleak and oppressive tone that mirrors the weight of the story.

Mielants’ use of doorways as a recurring motif is particularly striking. These frames serve to separate characters physically and emotionally, highlighting the disconnects between them while creating an almost voyeuristic observation for the audience. This visual metaphor reinforces the themes of isolation and introspection, making the viewer a silent witness to the characters’ struggles.

Intentional Sound Design

The film’s sound design and score are equally compelling. Every auditory choice, from the isolating sound of footsteps to the faintest inhalations, contributes to its naturalistic atmosphere. The score, composed by Senjan Jansen, avoids overwhelming the narrative, instead providing quiet, haunting strings that complement the film’s emotional weight.

These elements blend seamlessly with the slow, deliberate pacing of the film. While its stillness and quiet moments—such as watching a kettle boil or sitting in silence—may not resonate with everyone, they are purposeful and reflective of the emotional burdens carried by the characters.

Performances in Small Things Like These

The cast delivers uniformly strong performances. Emily Watson, as Sister Mary, the corrupt Mother Superior of the convent, is exceptional, earning her the Best Supporting Actor award at Berlin. Eileen Walsh, Michelle Fairley, and Clare Dunne also excel in their roles, contributing to the film’s emotional resonance. Murphy’s portrayal of Bill is a masterclass in restraint, capturing the quiet turmoil of a man confronting his own pain and the injustices around him.

Final Thoughts

At its heart, Small Things Like These is about pain, trauma, and grief. The film delves into Bill’s past, exploring his childhood and how he has chosen to live his life in response to earlier losses. These personal struggles are interwoven with the broader historical context, but the focus remains on Bill’s individual journey and moral reckoning.

It is haunting, meditative, and quietly devastating. Its deliberate pacing and understated storytelling may not appeal to all audiences, but for those who connect with its rhythm, the film offers a deeply moving experience. Its final moments are held with perfect restraint, leaving an emotional impact that lingers long after the credits roll. | Small Things Like These Review

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