Cillian Murphy Wrestles With Taking on Catholic Church in ‘Small Things Like This’ Trailer

Cillian Murphy Wrestles With Taking on Catholic Church in ‘Small Things Like This’ Trailer

As a gamer with a deep appreciation for cinema, especially those that delve into the complexities of human emotions and societal issues, I’m eagerly anticipating the release of “Small Things Like This.” The trailer alone is a powerful testament to Cillian Murphy’s acting prowess, and the haunting backdrop of the Magdalene Laundries adds an intriguing layer of historical context.


In the trailer for the upcoming film “Small Things Like This,” released by Lionsgate on November 8, Cillian Murphy stars as a coal merchant and father who grapples with the disturbing truth about hidden abuses in a local convent, sanctioned by the Catholic Church.

In the brief trailer, Bill Furlong (Murphy) observes a distressed mother compelling her child to enter a building against her will. “Mommy, please stop! No, please! I don’t want to go in there,” the girl cries out despairingly, while Furlong watches silently.

In 1985, on the eve of Christmas, Furlong finds himself delivering goods to a convent, an event that triggers him to face his long-suppressed sorrow and past traumas. This revelation compels him to make a difficult ethical decision. “Be careful with your words about what you see,” is the caution he receives in the trailer, as he witnesses the horrifying events unfolding within the convent walls.

Based on Claire Keegan’s acclaimed novella, the setting for “Small Things Like This” is inspired by the true events surrounding the Magdalene Laundries, institutions run by the Catholic Church in Ireland, which were claimed to provide employment and education for women who had fallen from grace.

The Magdalene Laundries, notorious institutions, were finally shuttered in 1996, leading to an extensive and widely publicized scandal within the Irish Catholic Church. Enda Walsh penned the screenplay for the film directed by Tim Mielants, featuring Emily Watson as one of its stars.

The review from The Hollywood Reporter following the film’s presentation at the Berlin Film Festival describes: “Murphy’s performance in this film starkly differs from his nuanced portrayal of Oppenheimer, with a subtle hint of arrogance that clashes against many peers. However, Murphy portrays Bill as a reserved yet genuinely good man who seems to deliberately minimize his presence throughout his adult years. He skillfully adds depth to the character through poignant pauses and sorrowful gestures, his piercing eyes reflecting a universe of pain, trauma resurfacing due to startling encounters.

The film “Small Things Like This” is created by Murphy in collaboration with his production partner Alan Moloney under Big Things Films. It was financially backed and produced by Artists Equity, the studio managed by Ben Affleck, who also co-stars with Murphy in the upcoming movie “Oppenheimer“.

As part of our gaming team alongside Murphy, Moloney, and Damon, I joined forces with Catherine Magee and Drew Vinton in the production process. In a higher role, Affleck, Kevin Halloran, and Michael Joe served as executive producers for this project.

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2024-09-17 19:24