Secrets and Silence

Read Time:4 Minute, 5 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Small Things Like These
–

Genre: Drama, History
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 38m
Director(s): Tim Mielants
Writer(s): Enda Walsh, Claire Keegan
Cast: Cillian Murphy, Emily Watson, Michelle Fairley, Eileen Walsh, Zara Devlin, Clare Dunne, Helen Behan, Ella Cannon
Where To Watch: in select theaters Nationwide on November 8, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: In the chilly shadows of an Irish town during the 1980s, SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE examines a world steeped in the quiet hues of moral ambiguity and silent struggles. Cillian Murphy brings his A-game as Bill Furlong, a man whose mundane life is abruptly ensnared in ethical dilemmas. Known for his ability to navigate complex emotional roles, Murphy dives deep into a role that pits personal against societal, exploring the intricate dance of internal conflict.

Director Tim Mielants teams up with screenwriter Enda Walsh to transform Claire Keegan’s critically acclaimed novel into a film that addresses the social injustices of its time, particularly the notorious Magdalene Laundries where these institutions, more penitentiary than sanctuary, disciplined young women for their deviations from the era's strict norms, masking severe punishment as moral rectification. Rather than overt dramatization, the film portrays chilling silences and exchanges that convey the oppressive conditions within these walls.

Walsh’s screenplay excels in its minimalist dialogue, which blankets the film in an oppressive silence, implicating the audience in the town’s collective secret-keeping. This restraint elevates the tension, capturing Bill’s internal tug-of-war between the safety of silence and the dangerous allure of action. His portrayal is a subtle masterclass, depicting the immense burden of a man torn by the dueling forces of community expectation and personal integrity.

A recurring symbol in the film is Bill’s routine of washing coal dust from his hands, an act that transcends its simplicity to become a metaphor for his struggle against moral compromise. This daily cleansing grows into a powerful narrative arc that culminates in a decisive moment, challenging his long-standing passivity in the face of wrong.

Emily Watson’s portrayal of Sr. Mary, the head of the convent, further enhances the film's depth. Her performance is quietly menacing, embodying the institutionalized cruelty that was all too common during the era. Her interactions with Bill are charged with an understated threat, amplifying his challenges in maintaining his moral compass amidst pervasive corruption.

The screenplay incorporates personal dilemmas with broader themes, steering clear of preachiness while maintaining a gravitas that resonates through its measured pace. Walsh’s background in theatre is apparent in his strategic deployment of sparse dialogue and pauses, which infuse the scenes with emotional and ethical gravity.

Set against the contrasting backdrop of Christmas, the film uses the festive season’s themes of charity to starkly highlight Bill's grim realities. It points out the hypocrisy of a community that chooses to look away from its own shadows. This stark juxtaposition is a powerful call to arms for civil courage, a theme that transcends the bounds of time and place.

As SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE draw to a close, it does so with a quiet but forceful climax that offers a hopeful resolution. Though small, Bill’s acts of defiance are framed as both a personal triumph and a spark for broader change, emphasizing the profound impact one individual can have in challenging systemic injustice.

This film is an ode to the quiet strength of moral resilience and stands as a compelling reminder of the ripple effects that can stem from one person’s decision to remain no longer silent. With Mielants’ direction, Walsh’s impactful script, and Murphy’s riveting performance, SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE achieves a lasting impact, echoing the sentiment that sometimes, the quietest actions speak the loudest.

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[photo courtesy of LIONSGATE]

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