Small Things Like These Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A coal man delivers coal, sees some stuff, and then delivers something else.

🍿 Small Things Like These: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Bill Furlong’s Life

The film introduces Bill Furlong, a coal merchant in 1985 rural Ireland, devoted to his wife and five daughters. He works diligently to provide for his family, delivering coal to homes and institutions in his community. Bill’s life appears simple, yet he carries a quiet burden, hinted at through fragmented memories of his own unconventional upbringing.

Discovery at the Convent

As Christmas approaches, Bill makes a delivery to the local convent, an institution shrouded in unspoken secrets. There, he encounters a young girl locked in a coal shed, distressed and seemingly abandoned. This encounter profoundly impacts Bill, triggering memories and stirring his conscience. He begins to question the convent’s practices and the role it plays in the community.

Confronting the Truth

Haunted by the girl’s plight and his own past, Bill investigates further, uncovering the harsh realities of the Magdalene Laundries – institutions where “fallen women” were sent for “penance and rehabilitation.” He witnesses the nuns’ cold indifference and the oppressive atmosphere within the convent walls. Torn between societal expectations and his moral compass, Bill faces a difficult decision: ignore the injustice or risk everything to help.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Bill Furlong (Cillian Murphy): A devoted father and coal merchant in 1985 Ireland, Bill discovers disturbing secrets at the local convent that force him to confront his past and moral responsibilities.
• Eileen Furlong (Eileen Walsh): Bill’s wife, Eileen, is a pragmatic woman who fears the repercussions of challenging the established order and prioritizes her family’s well-being.
• Sr. Mary (Emily Watson): The intimidating Mother Superior of the local convent, Sr. Mary embodies the power and control of the Catholic Church in the community.
• Sr. Carmel (Clare Dunne): A nun at the convent.
• Sarah Redmond (Zara Devlin): A young woman at the convent.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Eileen Furlong: “If you want to get on in this life, there are things you have to ignore.” – Eileen warns Bill about the potential consequences of interfering with the convent, highlighting the societal pressure to conform.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $3,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $1,600,956
• Worldwide Gross: $11,649,128

💥 Small Things Like These Reviews

Personal Review

I was really moved by this film. The story of Bill, grappling with his conscience in the face of such injustice, really resonated with me. The scenes where he’s trying to reconcile his family’s well-being with what he knows is right were particularly powerful. It’s not a feel-good movie, but it’s one that stays with you.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Cillian Murphy”
  • “Viewers interested in historical dramas”
  • “Those who appreciate character-driven stories”
  • “Individuals passionate about social justice issues”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Thematic content related to Magdalene Laundries”
  • “Discussion of institutional abuse”
  • “Implied mistreatment of women and children”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “Cillian Murphy shines in this less-is-more film, set in a small Irish town in 1985, where he plays a coal merchant uncovering disturbing secrets at the local convent. The film’s effective use of silence and oppressive atmosphere powerfully demonstrates cruelty in its most subtle form.
• FandomWire: “A gem of a movie. The story is simple, but it’s very well written, beautifully shot, and incredibly well acted. The Magdalene laundries were a real thing up until 1996, when the last one closed. Unmarried, pregnant teens were sent to monasteries to give birth and lose their child to forced adoption.
• IMDb: “A tricky film to review. On one hand it’s beautiful cinema, albeit with too many, too-long pauses and introspective moments. On the other it is bringing…poorly…a deeply worrying and saddening message about the Magdalene Laundries. It is bringing…poorly…a deeply worrying and saddening message about the Magdalene Laundries.

Audience Reactions

Cillian Murphy’s performance is outstanding; he portrays the inner turmoil of his character with incredible subtlety.: Viewers praised the movie for its powerful message, haunting atmosphere, and emotional depth.

Eileen Walsh is absolutely phenomenal in portraying this woman who for a while you kind of think she’s a coward but then you understand she is scared.: The cast is outstanding as everyone in the cast were briliant.

Overall Consensus: A moving drama about a man’s struggle with his conscience in the face of disturbing secrets kept by a local convent.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the novella of the same name by Irish author Claire Keegan, who is a favorite of Cillian Murphy.”
• “The story is set in 1985 Ireland and addresses the controversial Magdalene Laundries, institutions run by religious orders that incarcerated women deemed ‘fallen’ by society.”
• “Eileen Walsh, who plays Mrs. Furlong, also starred in ‘The Magdalene Sisters’ a movie from 2003, a movie about the same topic. It’s suggested that you watch it as it’s a perfect bookend to this gem of a movie.”

🖥️ How to Watch Small Things Like These?

As of October 2024, “Small Things Like These” is available for streaming on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. You can also purchase or rent the movie through these services. Check your local listings for availability and pricing.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Small Things Like These, you might like these similar films:

• The Magdalene Sisters (2002): Directly addresses the Magdalene Laundries and the abuse suffered by women in those institutions.

🛒 Small Things Like These Related Products

• Small Things Like These [Blu-ray]: Experience the film’s haunting atmosphere and powerful performances in stunning high definition. The Blu-ray edition includes exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and crew.
• Small Things Like These: A Novel by Claire Keegan: The acclaimed novella that inspired the film. Delve into the full story and explore the characters’ motivations and emotions in greater depth.
• Small Things Like These – Movie Poster: A high-quality print featuring the film’s striking imagery. Perfect for decorating your home theater or office.
• Magdalene Sisters [Blu-ray]: Another brilliant drama about the horrors of Magdalene Laundries. Eileen Walsh, who played Ms. Furlong, also starred in the Magdalene Sister.

🎧 Soundtrack

Small Things Like These features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Original Score” – performed by Unknown

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Claire Keegan answers readers’ questions about ‘Small Things Like These’ | The Booker Prize

Ever wondered about the inspiration and deeper meanings behind ‘Small Things Like These’? Claire Keegan, the author herself, answers readers’ burning questions. It’s fascinating to hear her perspective on the characters and themes – definitely worth a watch if you loved the story!

Small Things like These new clip “Bill speaks to Sr Mary” official from Berlin Film Festival 2024

Want a sneak peek into ‘Small Things Like These’? This official clip from the Berlin Film Festival showcases a pivotal scene between Bill and Sr. Mary. It’s a powerful moment that really sets the tone for the whole film, you have to see it!

Cillian Murphy (Small Things Like These) wins Actor in a Lead Role (Presented by Ruth Negga)

See Cillian Murphy’s acceptance speech after winning an award for ‘Small Things Like These’! It’s always great to see actors getting recognized for their hard work. It makes you appreciate the performance even more when you see the artist getting the deserved appreciation.

Mark Kermode reviews Small Things Like These – Kermode and Mayo’s Take

Curious about what the critics are saying about ‘Small Things Like These’? Mark Kermode gives his honest review – his insights are always so spot-on. It’s worth hearing his take before (or after!) you watch the film.

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