Yesterday I went to the cinema alone to watch a film. To begin, I am not in the habit of going to the cinema alone but I would recommend it! Weirdly, despite the main portion of the activity taking place in a dark room where it’s frowned upon to talk to each other, cinema-attendance feels like a group activity. However, unless you really enjoy discussing a film directly after viewing, going to see something alone is just as good as going with others (if not better – you get your snacks all to yourself).
I digress, onto the film itself!
Small Things Like These is the award-nominated film based on the historical fiction novel of the same name by Irish writer Claire Keegan. Set in New Ross, Ireland during a cold December, the plot follows Bill Furlong in the lead up to Christmas. Furlong is a business owner and family man, the father to five daughters and husband of pragmatic wife Eileen. Bill encompasses all that was expected of working men in the 80s, and arguably still today. He is stoic, a strong silent type who seems to focus on his work and his family and keep himself to himself. However, as events unfold, we learn that Bill has a backstory that makes him particularly sympathetic to the plight of single mothers, and particularly untrusting of the Catholic church. The plot uncovers a story emblematic of the dark history of Ireland’s Magdalene laundries and the plight of doing the right thing at the risk of harm to yourself and those you love.
Taking on the role of Mr Bill Furlong is the one and only Cillian Murphy. Following his success in the role as titular character Oppenheimer last year we may have expected to see Murphy take on more commercial roles. However, as anyone who has seen an interview with the man knows, he is proudly Irish and has displayed a dedication to smaller-scale cinema. The film is in fact co-produced by Murphy and fellow Irishman Alan Maloney (under their production company Big Things Films), in conjunction with Artists Equity, a production company owned by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck.
Despite what could be generously described as a sparse dialogue throughout the film, Murphy is captivating in Small Things Like These. His performance is a true testament to his acting skills, capturing the audience from the offset with his gentle Irish lilt, calm but strong demeanour and piercing blue eyes.
This is undoubtedly a biased review – this film combines a book that I loved with an actor I truly admire. However, I do believe that even if you haven’t read Claire Keegan’s story (you should) this is still a film that will move you. It’s not your typical feel-good Christmas film, nor does it evoke any strongly positive feelings towards the faith that brings us this much-loved holiday. Yet, despite the wintry setting and cold nuns (physically and emotionally), Small Things Like These left me feeling informed and hopeful. Time and again we see plots unfold on our screens reminding us that sometimes in the face of ethical dilemmas we simply have to do what we feel is right, in spite of the potential consequences we may face from those who, essentially, were too scared to do the right thing themselves. This is a sentiment that echoes beyond Christmas, but is especially pertinent at a time of giving, increased family interactions, and the beginning of a new year.
Image | Lionsgate Films