Small Things Like These
Small Things Like These

Movie spotlight

Small Things Like These

2024
Movie
99 min
English

In 1985, while working as a coal merchant to support his family, Bill Furlong discovers disturbing secrets kept by the local convent and uncovers truths of his own; forcing him to confront his past and the complicit silence of a small Irish town controlled by the Catholic Church.

Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes93%
Metacritic82/100
Google Users90%
Director: Tim MielantsGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

In a small Irish town in 1985, a coal merchant named Bill Furlong discovers a disturbing secret hidden within the local convent laundry. Confronted by the harsh realities of the institution and the complicity of his community, Bill must grapple with his conscience and decide whether to act. His moral dilemma unfolds against the backdrop of his ordinary life, challenging his perceptions of good and evil.

Critical Reception

Small Things Like These has been met with widespread critical acclaim, praised for its sensitive handling of a difficult subject matter and its powerful performances, particularly from Cillian Murphy. The film's atmospheric direction and its thoughtful exploration of morality have resonated strongly with audiences and critics alike.

What Reviewers Say

  • A deeply moving and important film that tackles a dark chapter of Irish history with sensitivity and nuance.

  • Cillian Murphy delivers a career-defining performance as a man forced to confront uncomfortable truths.

  • The film's quiet power and understated storytelling make its message all the more impactful.

Google audience: Audiences have lauded the film for its emotional depth and the compelling performance by Cillian Murphy. Many viewers found the movie to be thought-provoking and important, highlighting its successful portrayal of a difficult historical period and its exploration of moral courage.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Golden Bear at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The film is based on the 2021 novella of the same name by Claire Keegan, who also wrote 'The Quiet Man'.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

3 reviews
Brent Marchant

Brent Marchant

When it comes to minimalism in filmmaking, there’s deftly deliberate understatement, which can be a decidedly valuable asset, and then there’s cryptic obfuscation, which frequently leaves viewers scratching their heads. And, when it comes t...

CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

A friend of mine used to own a big gay bar in Dublin, and I recall being in it the day that marriage was legalised in Eire. One of the women celebrating was telling us of her childhood at the hands of the nuns in the 1970s. It was a ghastly...

r96sk

r96sk

<em>'Small Things Like These'</em> is absorbing. I basically got exactly what I expected from this one. It's a slow burn, quiet film featuring a stellar, if somewhat understated, Cillian Murphy performance. The pacing is spot on and the ...

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