20s Movie Review - Small Things Like These

Director: Tim Mielants
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 98 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: Cillian Murphy, Eileen Walsh, Emily Watson

Description: In 1985 devoted father Bill Furlong (Cillian Murphy) discovers disturbing secrets kept by the local convent and uncovers shocking truths of his own.

Review: Why is nobody talking about this film?

Bill is an introverted coal merchant who delivers to a home for unwed mothers. He knows the rumors going around, but like the rest of the village, he has always looked the other way. Until her experiences something he cannot reconcile with his conscience. But then the questions is: will he stand up to the powerful church and risk his own family’s future?

The book is based on the novel by Claire Keegan and is set in Ireland during the 1980s. In the small town where Bill lives, the Catholic church holds a tight rein. They nuns take care of so-called ‘fallen’ women and girls who they feel brought shame to their families. Bill sees how these women are exploited and abused and he can no longer look away. He himself is the father of five daughters and he wonders if it was one of his daughters.

Bill reminded me of my father, a hard-working, loving father and husband. Who always felt the need to help the ones in need, when no one else would.

“Small Things Like These” is very minimalistic, but the main characters are sublime and the clear moral is as urgent as it is heartwarming. I absolutely loved this film, that I went on an bought the novel right away.

Rating: 4,5/ 5