A biting wind whips through the small Irish town in 1985, carrying with it the scent of coal and secrets. Bill Furlong, a hardworking coal merchant, navigates the frosty streets, his deliveries a vital lifeline to the close-knit community. His wife, Eileen Furlong, worries about making ends meet this Christmas, while their daughters anticipate the holiday cheer. As Bill delivers coal to the local convent, run with an iron fist by Sister Mary, he glimpses something unsettling – a terrified young girl hidden away. Mrs. Wilson, a local outcast, hints at dark deeds within the convent walls, urging Bill to look away, to ignore the “small things.” But the image of the girl, Sarah Redmond, haunts him, stirring up long-buried memories and forcing him to confront the complicit silence that grips the town and threatens to unravel his carefully constructed world.

Small Things Like These Movie Overview
| Title | Small Things Like These |
|---|---|
| Release Status | Released |
| Release Date | 2024-11-01 |
| Runtime | 1 hours and 39 minutes |
| Genre | Drama, History |
| Original Language | En |
| Spoken Language | English |
| Country | Belgium, Ireland, United States of America |
| Production Co. | Artists Equity, Big Things Films, Wilder Content, Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland |
Small Things Like These Movie Cast
| Name | Character |
|---|---|
| Cillian Murphy | Bill Furlong |
| Emily Watson | Sister Mary |
| Michelle Fairley | Mrs. Wilson |
| Eileen Walsh | Eileen Furlong |
| Zara Devlin | Sarah Redmond |
| Clare Dunne | Sister Carmel |
| Helen Behan | Mrs. Kehoe |
| Ella Cannon | Laundry Girl |
| Patrick Ryan | Pat |
| Peter Claffey | Barry |
| Ian O’Reilly | Pj |
| Sarah Morris | Sarah’s Mother |
| Cillian O’Gairbhi | Sarah’s Father |
| Tadhg Moloney | Diarmuid Sinnott |
| Liadán Dunlea | Kathleen Furlong |
| Giulia Doherty | Joan Furlong |
| Rachel Lynch | Sheila Furlong |
| Aoife Gaffney | Grace Furlong |
| Faye Brazil | Loretta Furlong |
| Agnes O’Casey | Sarah Furlong |
| Louis Kirwan | Young Bill Furlong |
| Mark McKenna | Younger Ned |
| Clare Dunne | Sr. Carmel |
| Joanne Crawford | Norma Sinnott |
| Aidan O’Hare | Mick Sinnott |
| Ryan Waters | Young Boy Drinking Milk |
| Maire Ni Ghrainne | Sr. Anne |
| Patricia Twomey | Sr. Frances |
| Abby Fitz | Lisa |
| Amy De Bhrún | Emma |
| Vega Farrelly | Little girl with Emma |
| Clare Monnelly | Niamh |
| Helen Gregg | Kate |
| Hugh McAllister | Barber |
| Ella Cannon | Laundry Girl (uncredited) |
| Tom Leavey | Pub Goer (uncredited) |
| John McCarthy | Father with Boy (uncredited) |
Small Things Like These Movie Storyline
In the winter of 1985, Bill Furlong, portrayed by Cillian Murphy, a hardworking coal merchant in a small, insular Irish town, navigates the daily struggles of providing for his wife, Eileen Furlong, and their daughters amidst the festive season. His routine deliveries take an unsettling turn when he encounters a distressed young woman, Sarah Redmond, locked away in the local convent’s laundry, a place whispered to house more than just nuns. Haunted by his own mysterious past and the kindness shown to him as a child, Bill cannot ignore the palpable suffering he witnesses. As he delves deeper, he uncovers a disturbing truth about the Magdalene Laundries, institutions run by the Catholic Church, where young women were unjustly confined and exploited. The formidable Sister Mary, played by Emily Watson, attempts to dissuade Bill, subtly warning him about the consequences of interfering with the convent’s affairs, representing the iron grip the Church holds over the town. Torn between protecting his family and his conscience, Bill is pushed to his limits, facing opposition from the church and the complicit silence of many in his community, including Mrs. Wilson, a respected figure whose position is tied to the Church. Ultimately, Bill makes a courageous decision that challenges the town’s status quo and forces him to confront his own long-buried secrets and the true meaning of compassion. The film concludes with Bill’s act of defiance, a small but powerful spark of hope against the dark backdrop of institutional abuse, leaving the audience to contemplate the cost of silence and the enduring impact of small acts of courage.
Small Things Like These Movie Details
Set against the stark and unforgiving backdrop of a small Irish town in 1985, “Small Things Like These” is a poignant drama that follows Bill Furlong, portrayed by Cillian Murphy, a hardworking coal merchant grappling with his conscience during the lead-up to Christmas. Bill, a devoted family man providing for his wife Eileen Furlong and their children, discovers unsettling truths about the local convent, a powerful institution presided over by the stern Sister Mary, played by Emily Watson. As Bill uncovers the convent’s dark secrets regarding young, vulnerable women, he is forced to confront not only the complicit silence of the town, heavily influenced by the Catholic Church, but also his own mysterious past. His moral awakening leads him on a difficult path, challenging the established order and forcing him to make a life-altering decision that could shatter his family’s peace. Mrs. Wilson, another key figure in the town, embodies the ingrained societal attitudes that perpetuate the injustices Bill seeks to expose. Zara Devlin as Sarah Redmond adds depth to the storyline and represents a generation impacted by the decisions made in the past and present. The film explores themes of societal complicity, personal responsibility, and the courage to challenge oppressive systems, painting a vivid and compelling portrait of a community wrestling with its dark secrets.
Small Things Like These Movie Poster Images
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Movie Trailers
Cillian Murphy’s Oscar Followup? Producing ‘Small Things Like These’
Official International Trailer
Small Things Like These Movie FAQs
What is the movie “Small Things Like These” about?
It’s a drama set in 1985 Ireland. Bill Furlong, a coal merchant, uncovers disturbing secrets about the local convent and the Catholic Church’s control over the town, forcing him to confront his own past.
When was “Small Things Like These” released?
The movie was released on November 1, 2024.
Who are the main actors in “Small Things Like These”?
The film stars Cillian Murphy, Emily Watson, and Michelle Fairley.
What genres does “Small Things Like These” belong to?
The movie is classified as Drama and History.
Is “Small Things Like These” based on a book?
Yes, it is based on the book “Small Things Like These” by Claire Keegan.
Who directed “Small Things Like These”?
The movie was directed by Tim Mielants.
Where does the movie take place?
The movie takes place in a small Irish town.
What is the runtime of “Small Things Like These”?
The movie’s runtime is 99 minutes.
What are some of the themes explored in the movie?
The movie explores themes of complicity, silence, and confronting the past in the face of institutional power.
Was Matt Damon involved in the production of the movie?
Yes, Matt Damon is credited as a producer for the movie.