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Small Things Like These Movie Review: A Poignant Tale of Silent Struggles and Unseen Trauma

Introduction: A Chilling Atmosphere Set in Ireland’s Dark Past

Tim Mielants' adaptation of Claire Keegan’s novel Small Things Like These is a quiet, yet profoundly powerful, exploration of Ireland’s troubled history with the Magdalene Laundries. The movie opens and closes with the haunting sound of church bells, a symbol of the Catholic Church's pervasive influence in Irish society. Set against the backdrop of a small, snowy Irish town during the Christmas season, the film poignantly addresses the untold stories of women and girls trapped in these religious institutions, where they endured unimaginable suffering. This film is not just a historical reflection but a universal tale of silent trauma, moral conflict, and the struggle to break free from the chains of an oppressive system.

The Magdalene Laundries: A Dark Chapter in Irish History

The Magdalene Laundries were notorious institutions where women and girls, often victims of abuse, found themselves imprisoned under the guise of providing refuge. In truth, they were forced labor camps, where the women cleaned laundry, typically for wealthy families or the church itself. Many were placed there due to their pregnancies, often the result of sexual abuse, while others were locked away because of their perceived immorality or simply for being young and attractive. These women were denied their basic rights, subjected to physical, mental, and sexual abuse, and had their children taken away, often without consent.

Despite being one of Ireland's most shameful practices, the Magdalene Laundries remained operational until the mid-1990s, with the abuse continuing for decades. The film’s depiction of these laundries is an essential part of the narrative, highlighting the extent of the institutionalized cruelty and the deep scars it left on generations of women.

Bill Furlong: A Quiet Hero Confronting an Unseen World

At the heart of Small Things Like These is Bill Furlong, portrayed by Cillian Murphy. Bill is a quiet, hardworking coal merchant, leading a seemingly content life with his wife, Eileen, and their five daughters. Yet, beneath his stoic exterior, Bill is a man deeply aware of the suffering in his community. He notices the small things—the shivering boy drinking milk left on a stoop, the woman resisting an unwanted kiss—but his world is about to change forever when he stumbles upon a terrifying scene at the convent.

While delivering coal to the convent, Bill witnesses a young girl being dragged inside, her screams echoing through the cold air. This disturbing sight leaves a lasting impression on him, forcing him to confront a harsh reality he has long ignored. As a father, Bill becomes increasingly protective of his daughters, aware that their safety is never guaranteed in a society that systematically oppresses women.

The Convent’s Power: Sister Mary’s Silent Threats

The film’s portrayal of the convent, where much of the abuse takes place, is chilling. Sister Mary, played by Emily Watson, embodies the cold, calculated authority of the church. She runs the convent with an iron fist, her power extending beyond the walls of the religious institution to the lives of Bill’s daughters, who attend the girls’ school next door. Sister Mary’s calm demeanor hides a dangerous threat: those who dare to challenge the system risk losing everything.

When Bill discovers a girl locked in the coal shed, bruised and freezing, he finds himself caught between his moral duty and the unspoken threats of the convent. The system that has long controlled his town, and by extension his life, now holds Bill in its grip. His journey becomes one of quiet resistance—he knows that speaking out could lead to catastrophic consequences for his family, but his conscience will not let him remain silent.

The Subtle Power of Cillian Murphy’s Performance

Cillian Murphy’s portrayal of Bill Furlong is a masterclass in understated acting. Bill’s character is deeply introspective, and much of his emotional journey is conveyed through subtle expressions and physicality rather than words. The camera often frames Bill from behind, creating a sense of distance between him and the audience, as if he is a man lost in his own thoughts, carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. When the camera finally closes in on his face, the depth of his internal struggle is laid bare. Murphy’s performance is a silent cry for justice, a plea for understanding in a world where words are often inadequate.

The Cinematic Techniques That Elevate the Story

Director Tim Mielants employs various cinematic techniques to deepen the emotional impact of the story. The use of 360-degree pans in scenes depicting Bill’s interactions with the town and the convent creates a sense of disorientation, emphasizing the smallness and isolation of his world. The sound design, too, plays a crucial role in building tension. At times, the sound drops out entirely, leaving only the sound of Bill’s breathing—each inhale filled with unspoken thoughts and unresolved trauma. These quiet moments make the emotional weight of the story even more powerful.

Flashbacks and the Emotional Backstory of Bill Furlong

The film also delves into Bill’s past through a series of carefully crafted flashbacks. These scenes reveal a painful history, one marked by the stigma of illegitimacy and the struggles of growing up in an unforgiving society. Bill’s mother, Sarah, played by Agnes O’Casey, worked as a maid in a large house, where young Bill faced the cruelty of his peers. Despite the hardships, Bill finds solace in the kindness of Mrs. Wilson, the woman who took them in. The flashbacks serve as a powerful reminder that Bill’s compassion for the suffering women in the convent is rooted in his own experiences of injustice and vulnerability.

A Final Reflection: The Church's Ever-Present Gaze By the end of Small Things Like These, the church bells no longer sound like a call to prayer but rather a reminder of the church’s unyielding control. The film’s final moments leave a haunting impression: the bells ring, but their sound is no longer comforting. Instead, it serves as a warning. The church’s influence is omnipresent, its gaze unblinking. The movie powerfully reminds us that silence and complicity in the face of injustice allow systems of abuse to flourish. It is only through confronting these uncomfortable truths that healing can begin.

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Conclusion: A Timeless Story of Human Dignity and Moral Courage

Small Things Like These is a beautifully crafted film that combines historical reflection with universal themes of human dignity and moral courage. Through its powerful performances, compelling narrative, and poignant cinematography, it challenges viewers to question the systems of power that continue to shape our lives today. The film is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and it serves as a reminder that small acts of resistance can lead to profound change.

In an era where silence often prevails in the face of injustice, Small Things Like These urges us to speak out, to stand up for those who cannot, and to never forget the painful lessons of history.

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