Cillian Murphy’s drama hailed as a “powerful masterpiece” is coming to Netflix

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Okay, so I just heard about this movie coming to Netflix and it sounds awesome! It’s a historical drama that people are calling really deep and exciting. Plus, Cillian Murphy – you know, Tommy Shelby from Peaky Blinders – is the lead! It’s called Small Things Like These and it drops on April 28th. I’m definitely adding that to my watchlist.

The film, directed by Tim Mielants and based on Claire Keegan’s 2021 novel, offers a stark portrayal of Ireland’s Magdalene Laundries. These institutions held around 30,000 women – often unmarried mothers, girls with difficulties, or those who had suffered abuse – and compelled them to work without pay.

In the film 28 Days Later, Cillian Murphy plays Bill Furlong, a coal merchant who discovers mistreatment at a nearby convent. He puts his family in danger by trying to help the women who are being held there.

The film also stars Eileen Walsh, Michelle Fairley, Emily Watson, Clare Dunne, and Helen Behan, completing the main cast.

Premiering at the 2024 Berlin International Film Festival before its release in theaters, Small Things Like These has been met with widespread praise from both critics and audiences.

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Currently, 94% of critics on Rotten Tomatoes recommend the film. They agree that Cillian Murphy’s powerful performance is the best part of Small Things Like These, and helps to make up for the fact that the historical drama can sometimes feel slow.

In a review, Empire magazine described the film as thoughtful and deliberate, noting that it explores a crucial question: how seemingly good people can allow terrible things to occur, and what we can do to prevent them.

According to the Financial Times, Small Things Like These isn’t a fast-paced thriller, but it’s still captivating due to its subtle and beautifully crafted narrative.

Eddie Murphy received widespread acclaim for his performance. RogerEbert.com called it a remarkable portrayal, noting that it was both powerfully expressive and subtly nuanced.

As did Time Out, praising Murphy’s performance as deeply moving – potentially even more impactful than his work in Oppenheimer – with Bill’s rage feeling both heartbreaking and urgent.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the work is quietly powerful, deeply personal yet broadly emotional, and consistently avoids being overly sentimental.

According to iNews, the film is a moving story about bravery, referencing a difficult period in Irish history and exploring the challenges of being involved in wrongdoing.

Small Things Like These comes to Netflix on 28 April.

The latest issue of Living Legends, a vibrant 100-page tribute to Sir David Attenborough, is now available! You can purchase it at newsstands or online.

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2026-04-15 23:49