Cillian Murphy’s Irish drama Small Things Like These is a quietly moving morality tale
As a gamer with a soft spot for thought-provoking narratives and a deep appreciation for Cillian Murphy’s acting prowess, I can confidently say that “Small Things Like These” is a must-watch for any discerning viewer. This film serves as an exceptional testament to Murphy’s ability to breathe life into complex characters and tackle heavy themes with subtlety and grace.
In “Small Things Like These,” Cillian Murphy demonstrates his stardom by delivering a compelling performance in a story that challenges us to reconsider our courage when faced with institutional wrongdoing.
After winning an Oscar for his role in “Oppenheimer” and securing another major film part, the accomplished Irish actor demonstrates once more his ability to excel in dramatic roles. In his latest project, he delves into the heart-wrenching reality of Ireland’s Magdalene Laundries.
In the narrative of director Tim Mielants, the sensitive subject of these ‘blemished’ females, typically young ones, and their experiences within the Catholic Church, is subtly addressed. His approach is simple yet profoundly impactful.
This 128-page short story by Claire Keegan is remarkably brought to life in this adaptation, starring Murphy as Bill Furlong, a neighborhood coal dealer who runs a business next to a convent. He becomes intrigued by the frequent visits of local girls to the nearby religious institution.
In a quaint Irish village in the 1980s during a bustling festive season, Bill, who is usually passive, finds himself in turmoil after encountering an unkempt girl reminiscent of a deceased loved one. Is it prudent for him to disrupt his tranquility, knowing the potential repercussions?
Eileen Walsh, known for her role in Catastrophe, delivers a calm yet firm portrayal as Bill’s spouse Eileen. She advises her husband, “To succeed in life, there are certain things you need to overlook.
She seems overly concerned with maintaining a good image and traditional values, and she doesn’t keep secret her wish for the family to expand further.
Bill, on the other hand, is not driven by materialistic desires and instead focuses on giving back due to his upbringing. We find out in flashbacks that young Bill was brought up under the kindness of an employer, living with his single mother, a maid, at Mrs. Wilson’s home. Mrs. Wilson, portrayed by Michelle Fairley, is a wealthy widow who shows affection for the humble boy.
Among the secondary characters, Emily Watson delivers a spine-tingling portrayal as Sister Mary.
After I stumble upon this girl, I’m summoned to the boss’s office for what feels like an awkward cup of tea. It’s more like extracting teeth than having a casual conversation. In that tense atmosphere, Watson is intimidating and skillfully manipulative. Her stone-cold expression is softened by a glint in her eyes as she hands me a Christmas card, but it comes with strings attached.
Murphy’s portrayal of Bill exhibits a tender fatigue that, at first glance, seems to stem from the grueling nature of his job. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that this weariness stems from deep mental struggles hidden within him. His past traumas resurface powerfully following an incident involving a girl, hinted by close-ups of his face and repeated scenes of hand washing that verge on self-mutilation.
In a somewhat leisurely pace, the understated narrative of “Small Things Like These” packs an emotional punch. Many aspects are left unsaid (much like how the Laundries functioned during that era), but its abrupt finale provides a glimmer, if not a definite one, of hope for what’s to come in the future.
Small Things Like These is released in UK cinemas on November 1.
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2024-10-29 14:19