Oscar-winner Cillian Murphy, known for his captivating performance in Oppenheimer, is taking on a new role in the film Small Things Like These. Set in 1985 Ireland, this drama delves into the dark legacy of the Magdalene Laundries. Directed by Tim Mielants, the film is based on Claire Keegan’s novel of the same name, weaving a narrative of guilt, complicity, and buried trauma through the eyes of Murphy’s character, Bill Furlong.
Murphy plays Furlong, a coal merchant whose seemingly routine life in a small County Wexford town unravels as he stumbles upon troubling secrets within a local convent. His deliveries to the convent expose the cruel reality behind these religious-run institutions—spaces notorious for mistreating women labeled as “fallen” by the Church. The story forces Furlong to confront not only the town’s silence about these abuses but also his own emotional scars from the past.
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The film stands out as one of Murphy’s rare performances where he speaks in his natural Irish brogue. This detail adds emotional depth, enhancing his portrayal of Furlong as an introspective, gentle man wrestling with moral dilemmas. Throughout the film, Furlong faces immense pressure from the town to maintain the status quo, including warnings to avoid interfering with the convent’s operations.
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Small Things Like These also reflects the real-life history of the Magdalene Laundries, which operated in Ireland from the 18th century until the last facility closed in 1996. These institutions initially housed women who were deemed socially unacceptable, but over time, their reach extended to include other marginalized groups, such as children from homes or women falsely accused of immorality. The film channels the shame and complicity surrounding these establishments, which continue to haunt Ireland’s cultural memory today.
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The cast includes an impressive lineup of talent, such as Emily Watson, Michelle Fairley, Clare Dunne, and Ciarán Hinds, adding further gravitas to the film. Murphy not only stars in the project but also serves as a producer through Big Things Films, with backing from Artists Equity, a studio co-founded by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck.
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Lionsgate will release the film on November 8, and its trailer has already given audiences a glimpse of the tension and emotional weight the story carries. As Furlong confronts the systemic abuse around him, the film leaves viewers reflecting on themes of silence, guilt, and resistance.
Murphy has long been vocal about social justice issues in Ireland. His involvement in projects related to women’s rights, such as narrating a podcast on the Tuam Mother and Baby Homes, highlights his alignment with the issues addressed in Small Things Like These. This film offers Murphy a chance to merge his artistic talents with his commitment to addressing Ireland’s troubled history, ensuring the drama resonates deeply both on and off-screen.
Murphy’s portrayal of Bill Furlong promises to be one of his most nuanced performances yet, departing from his larger-than-life roles to embody the quiet courage of an ordinary man confronting injustice in a small town. The film’s release at such a poignant time ensures it will spark important conversations around Ireland’s history and collective trauma.