Words by Zak Wheelan
Set in 1985, Small Things Like These follows a coal merchant devoted to ing his family, who stumbles upon a dark and harrowing secret hidden behind the quiet façade of a local convent.
The truths he uncovers build gradually, layer by layer — like peeling back a matryoshka doll — ultimately forcing him to confront his own past and the trauma buried within it. The pressure mounts from the town’s complicity in silence. Themes of shame, loss, abuse, and neglect intertwine with the perversion and corruption of a religious institution — all packed tightly into a moving 1 hour and 38 minutes.
This is not a film for the faint of heart — not only for its distressing subject matter, but also because it is grounded in real historical horrors: the Magdalene Laundries, where poor Irish girls and women were cruelly forced into unpaid, relentless labor under the guise of moral reform.
Cillian Murphy, portraying the coal merchant and central character, delivers an awe-inspiring, largely silent performance. With minimal dialogue, the film invites us to read his emotions through body language and facial expressions — every look heavy with horror, grief, and moral reckoning. His portrayal is haunting, subtle, and profoundly affecting. In contrast, Emily Watson’s brief but chilling appearance as the Mother Superior is deeply impactful. Her commanding, threatening presence leaves a lasting impression, and the interplay between her character and Murphy’s adds to the film’s intensity.
But the performances aren’t the only aspect worth applauding. Every frame is crafted with care and precision — like a painting brought to life. Cinematographer Frank van den Eden captures each moment so delicately, as though the film were his own personal creation.
While its slow-burn pacing may not appeal to everyone, Small Things Like These delivers some of the year’s most powerful messages through quiet observation, emotional restraint, and moral complexity.
It’s surprising — and frankly disappointing — that the film has only received 4 awards and 11 nominations. It is undoubtedly one of the standout films of 2024, deserving of far more recognition and praise.
Discover more gripping and thought-provoking films at Spazju Kreattiv: kreattivita.org
