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Movie of the Day: Small Things Like These (2024) by Tim Mielants

  • Writer: dailyentertainment95
    dailyentertainment95
  • Apr 13
  • 5 min read

Detailed Summary

Set in Ireland in 1985 during the Christmas season, "Small Things Like These" follows Bill Furlong (Cillian Murphy), a devoted father of five who works as a coal merchant. Bill's seemingly quiet and routine life takes a turn when he begins to uncover disturbing secrets kept by the local convent, an institution that holds significant sway over the small Irish town. Haunted by vague memories of his own childhood and his mother's death, Bill's curiosity grows as he makes deliveries to the convent. He eventually discovers the shocking truths of the Magdalene Laundries, institutions run by the Catholic Church where young women were confined and forced into unpaid labor for being pregnant outside of marriage or for other perceived moral transgressions. As Bill confronts the systemic silence and willful ignorance surrounding these institutions within his community, he also unearths unsettling truths about his own past.

Plot Summary

In 1985 Ireland, a coal merchant named Bill Furlong uncovers disturbing secrets about the local convent, forcing him to confront the town's complicity and his own past.

Director's Vision

Tim Mielants aimed to adapt Claire Keegan's stirring novella by establishing a visual language of willful ignorance within a small, religiously controlled community. His primary motivation was to explore the theme of grief and the pain it causes, something he understands on a personal level. He also wanted to examine the concept of complicity, asking how good people allow bad things to happen. Mielants favored a minimalistic storytelling approach to capture Bill's vulnerability.

Themes

  • Silence and Complicity: The film explores the collective silence and willful ignorance of a community regarding the abuses within the Magdalene Laundries.

  • Moral Courage: Bill Furlong's journey examines the difficulty and necessity of standing up against systemic injustice.

  • Institutional Abuse: The film brings to light the dark history of the Magdalene Laundries in Ireland.

  • Grief and Trauma: The story delves into Bill's past trauma and how it shapes his response to the present situation.

  • Family and Fatherhood: As a devoted father himself, Bill is particularly affected by the plight of the young women and their children in the convent.

Key Success Factors

  • Cillian Murphy's Subtle and Powerful Performance: Murphy's portrayal of Bill Furlong has been widely praised for its depth and emotional resonance.

  • Atmospheric Depth: The film's deliberate pacing and visual storytelling create a contemplative and immersive experience.

  • Exploration of a Significant Historical Issue: The film sheds light on a dark chapter of Irish history, the Magdalene Laundries.

  • Strong Supporting Performances: The ensemble cast, including Emily Watson and Eileen Walsh, delivers impactful performances.

Summary Short

In 1985 Ireland, a coal merchant's routine deliveries lead him to uncover the disturbing secrets of the local convent and the Magdalene Laundries, forcing him to confront the complicity of his community and his own buried past.

Awards and Nominations

"Small Things Like These" won the Silver Berlin Bear for Best Supporting Performance (Emily Watson) at the 2024 Berlin International Film Festival. It also won Best Film, Best Script (Enda Walsh), and Best Lead Actor (Cillian Murphy) at the 21st Irish Film & Television Awards in 2025. The film was nominated for the Golden Berlin Bear and received nominations at Camerimage and the Dublin Film Critics' Circle Awards.

Critics Reception

"Small Things Like These" has received largely positive reviews from critics.

  • Rotten Tomatoes: Reports a 90% positive rating based on 40 reviews.

  • Cineuropa: Fabien Lemercier praised the film as a moving and cleverly controlled melodrama and a beautiful and nuanced portrait of a woman.

  • Les Inrockuptibles: Marilou Duponchel described it as a beautiful first film about filial love, far from convention, with an acute sense of psychology.

Reviews

  • IMDb User Reviews: One user found it a tricky film to review, a heartfelt project raising deep issues in religious Ireland, referencing the Magdalene Institutions.

  • Points of Reviews: Highlights that the film is about pain, trauma, and grief, exploring the protagonist's past.

  • Reddit (r/moviereviews): Describes it as a restrained and quiet story with dreary vibes, focusing on a man's internal reckoning.

Box Office

"Small Things Like These" has grossed $1.6 million in the US and Canada, and $11.7 million worldwide on an estimated budget of $3 million.

Production

"Small Things Like These" is an Irish-Belgian co-production directed by Tim Mielants, adapted by Enda Walsh from Claire Keegan's novel, starring Cillian Murphy and Emily Watson, produced by Artists Equity and Big Things Films, with a runtime of 98 minutes.

Production Companies

  • Artists Equity (USA)

  • Big Things Films (Ireland)

  • Wilder Content (Belgium)

Sales Companies

FilmNation Entertainment

Distribution Companies

Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions partnered for the theatrical release in North America. Lionsgate UK distributed in the UK and Ireland.

Release Date on Streaming

"Small Things Like These" will be available on Digital platforms starting December 16, 2024.

Theatrical Release

The film premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival on February 15, 2024. It was released theatrically in the UK and Ireland on November 1, 2024, and in the United States on November 8, 2024.

Why to Recommend This Movie

  • Powerful Performances: Cillian Murphy and the supporting cast deliver compelling and nuanced portrayals.

  • Addresses a Significant Historical Issue: The film sheds light on the important and often tragic history of the Magdalene Laundries.

  • Thought-Provoking Narrative: The story explores themes of complicity, courage, and personal responsibility.

Why to Watch Movie

  • To Learn About a Dark Chapter of Irish History: The film offers a fictionalized but impactful look at the Magdalene Laundries.

  • For Fans of Cillian Murphy: His performance is being lauded as brilliant.

  • To Experience a Restrained and Moving Drama: The film relies on subtlety and emotional depth rather than overt action.

What Movie Trend Film is Following

  • Historical Drama with Social Commentary: The film uses a specific historical setting to explore broader social issues and injustices.

  • Quietly Powerful Character Studies: The narrative focuses on the internal struggles and moral reckoning of its protagonist.

What Big Social Trend is Following

  • Increased Awareness of Institutional Abuse: The film taps into a growing societal awareness and reckoning with historical abuses committed by institutions.

  • Importance of Speaking Out Against Injustice: Bill Furlong's journey highlights the significance of breaking silence in the face of wrongdoing.

Final Verdict

"Small Things Like These" is a powerful and poignant drama that offers a crucial glimpse into a dark period of Irish history. Anchored by a brilliant performance from Cillian Murphy, the film is a restrained yet deeply moving exploration of complicity, courage, and the enduring impact of institutional abuse.

Recommendations for Film Makers

  • Handle Sensitive Historical Issues with Respect and Nuance: The film effectively addresses a difficult topic without sensationalism.

  • Focus on Character's Internal Journey: Bill Furlong's internal struggle drives the narrative and resonates deeply.

  • Utilize Subtlety and Atmosphere: The film's quiet and contemplative tone enhances its emotional impact.

Recommendations for Movie Industry

  • Support Films that Shed Light on Important Historical Events: Movies like "Small Things Like These" contribute to societal understanding and dialogue.

  • Recognize the Power of Character-Driven Stories: The film's focus on Bill Furlong's moral awakening is central to its effectiveness.

  • Promote Films that Encourage Reflection and Empathy: This movie prompts viewers to consider their own roles in the face of injustice.


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