Ever watched a movie so quietly powerful that it leaves you thinking for days? One that doesn’t have flashy explosions, plot twists, or high-tech CGI but moves you with the simplicity of its story and depth of its characters? Small Things Like These is exactly that kind of film. Directed by Tim Mielants and based on the novella by Claire Keegan, this movie is a gentle yet piercing exploration of what it means to stand up for what’s right, even when the stakes are high.

If you haven’t heard of it, don’t worry—you’re not alone. This isn’t a Hollywood blockbuster with a massive marketing budget. But sometimes, it’s these lesser-known films that manage to capture life’s true essence. Small Things Like These is a quiet gem, a piece of art that deserves every bit of attention. So, grab a cup of tea, settle in, and let’s dive into why this movie is so worth watching.

1. A Story About Everyday Heroes

Small Things Like These takes place in a small Irish town during the 1980s. It’s a time and place where the church holds significant influence, and people generally don’t question authority. Enter Bill Furlong, a coal merchant and an all-around decent, hardworking man. He’s a man of few words, going about his daily life with an understated kindness that’s rare and genuine. Bill is just an ordinary guy, dealing with his own struggles, like providing for his family and keeping his business afloat. But when he discovers something troubling involving the local convent, he’s faced with a moral dilemma that could change his life—and the lives of those around him.

The story is about those “small things” we encounter in life that test our integrity. Bill Furlong isn’t a superhero; he’s not someone you’d expect to be in a position to stand up to the system. But his quiet courage is what makes him so relatable. The film beautifully portrays how acts of courage don’t always come in grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s the small acts, the everyday decisions, that define who we are.

2. A Deep Dive into the Dark Side of Social Norms

At its core, Small Things Like These is a story about complicity and moral blindness. The convent in the story operates a Magdalene laundry, where young, unwed mothers are sent to work under abusive conditions, hidden away from society. These institutions were real, and they existed across Ireland (and other countries) well into the 20th century. The shocking part? Most people knew about them but chose to look the other way.

The film doesn’t shy away from addressing how entire communities can turn a blind eye to injustice when it’s convenient. It raises uncomfortable questions about human nature: How far will we go to protect our comfort zones? What will we ignore to avoid rocking the boat? By highlighting the oppressive power of social norms, Small Things Like These forces viewers to confront the idea that silence and inaction can sometimes be as harmful as outright cruelty.

3. A Masterclass in Subtle, Powerful Storytelling

In an age where movies often rely on big spectacles to captivate audiences, Small Things Like These takes a different route. It uses quiet, everyday scenes to build its emotional impact. There’s no dramatic background score that tells you how to feel, no high-paced action sequences. Instead, the movie draws you in with its understated storytelling and the authenticity of its characters.

Tim Mielants’ direction is subtle but masterful. He lets the scenes breathe, giving you time to absorb the gravity of each moment. The cinematography captures the bleak, overcast Irish landscape, mirroring the film’s heavy themes and adding to the atmosphere of restraint and suppression. It’s a film that respects its audience enough to let them interpret the silences, the unspoken words, and the small gestures.

4. A Reminder of Real-World Issues That Shouldn’t Be Forgotten

Magdalene laundries may sound like something from another era, but the impact of these institutions is still very real. For years, unwed mothers and “fallen” women were sent to these places, where they were forced to work in horrendous conditions, often without pay, as a form of punishment. The women in these laundries experienced abuse, neglect, and isolation from the outside world, all under the guise of “moral correction.”

While Small Things Like These is a fictional story, it shines a light on a very real, painful part of history that’s often swept under the rug. It’s a reminder that injustices like these have taken place—and that they were allowed to happen because society collectively chose to ignore them. Watching this film can feel a bit like peeling back a layer of polite civility to reveal something darker underneath. And it’s important, because only by acknowledging these painful truths can we avoid repeating similar mistakes.

5. A Perfect Showcase of Nuanced Performances

The casting of Small Things Like These deserves applause. Cillian Murphy stars as Bill Furlong, and he brings a quiet strength to the role that’s both captivating and heart-wrenching. Murphy is known for his intense, charismatic roles in films like Peaky Blinders, but here he takes on a completely different persona. He’s vulnerable, kind, and almost painfully human. His portrayal of Bill makes you root for the character in a deeply personal way, even if he’s just an average guy in a small town.

Supporting roles, too, are brilliantly cast, adding layers to the story without overshadowing its simplicity. Each character feels like someone you’d meet in real life. They’re flawed and complex, and that’s what makes them so compelling. This isn’t a movie with “villains” in the traditional sense; rather, it shows how ordinary people can become part of a problem simply by staying silent.

6. An Ending That Will Leave You Thinking

Without giving too much away, the ending of Small Things Like These is both powerful and ambiguous. It doesn’t offer a clean resolution, which might frustrate some viewers but feels true to life. Real courage isn’t always rewarded, and doing the right thing often comes at a personal cost. The film leaves you pondering what happens next, not just for Bill, but for everyone involved.

This ending choice is bold but fitting for a movie that’s all about the small, often overlooked actions that define us. It challenges viewers to think about what they would do in Bill’s shoes. Would you risk everything for a stranger, even if it meant disrupting your life? Small Things Like These doesn’t give you easy answers, but it does give you plenty to think about.

7. Why You Should Watch Small Things Like These

In a world that’s constantly pushing us to chase the next big thing, Small Things Like These is a refreshing reminder of the beauty in simplicity. It’s a story that honors the quiet strength of everyday people and the courage it takes to choose kindness over conformity. If you’re looking for a movie that will move you and stay with you long after the credits roll, this is it.

Small Things Like These is more than just a film; it’s a mirror reflecting our own choices, our silences, and our complicities. It’s a story that urges us to consider the impact of our actions—or inactions—and reminds us that sometimes, the smallest acts of compassion can have the most profound impact.

So, if you’re ready for a film that doesn’t just entertain but also inspires and challenges you, put Small Things Like These on your watchlist. It’s a cinematic experience that’s subtle yet profound, and it just might make you see the world a little differently. Grab some tissues, settle in, and let this beautiful, haunting story work its magic on you. Trust me—you won’t regret it.

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