Small Things Like These

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2:09

Small Things Like These

PG-13

Released Nov 8, 2024

1h 37m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

94%

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116 Reviews

81%

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100+ Verified Ratings

Small Things Like These takes place over Christmas in 1985, when devoted father and coal merchant Bill Furlong (Cillian Murphy) discovers startling secrets kept by the convent in his town, along with some shocking truths of his own. The film reveals truths about Ireland's Magdalene laundries -- horrific asylums run by Roman Catholic institutions from the 1820s until 1996, ostensibly to reform "fallen young women." Adapted from the Booker Prize nominated novel by Claire Keegan.

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Critics Consensus

Cillian Murphy's outstanding acting anchors Small Things Like These, elevating an occasionally enervating historical drama.

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Sandra Hall

The Age (Australia)

The ending is a little too abrupt for a film put together with such subtlety. Much is left unsaid, but if the script had gone any further, it would have had to embark on a sequel.

Rated: 4/5

Apr 8, 2025

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Mark Kermode

Kermode and Mayo's Take (YouTube)

I suspect it may be too low-key for people... but it is a film that whispers its story to you and I found it very moving.

Nov 23, 2024

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Sergio Burstein

Los Angeles Times

The film promotes, in any case, the revaluation of authentic Christian ideals of solidarity and love for one's neighbor... [Full review in Spanish]

Nov 13, 2024

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Abhishek Srivastava

The Times of India

[The film's] power lies in its subtlety, the realism of its performances, and its willingness to confront uncomfortable truths without sensationalism. It is not an easy watch, but it is a necessary one.

Rated: 3.5/5

Sep 15, 2025

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Sebastian Zavala Kahn

Cinencuentro

An intimate, believable drama, which also takes place during the Christmas season as a sort of commentary on the hypocrisy of the Church. [Full review in Spanish].

Rated: 4/5

Aug 1, 2025

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Guillermo Troncoso

Screen Realm

It doesn’t always dig as deep as it could, but it lingers — in the questions it raises, the injustices it edges into focus, and the quiet turmoil of a man wrestling with what it means to do the right thing.

Rated: 3.5/5

Jul 29, 2025

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Chris

Extraordinary acting by all! Cinematography and direction amazing. Stunning writing from book based on true facts. Cillian kills!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/29/24

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Stef

Disappointed with how this movie decided to portray Furlong. It all fell a bit flat emotionally and its quietness was just that: quiet. Big miss for me unfortunately considering the book was perfect source material.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

11/26/24

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Mr. Hollywood

A slice of life type movie. Not much needs to be said during the film, going through lifes daily routine. Good film definitely one of the better ones of the year

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

11/26/24

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Christina S

Beautifully filmed, somber film and wonderfully acted by the whole cast.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/23/24

Full Review

BJ

I liked how the hard truth of the brutality of the Catholic Church was exposed and how the every day man an woman chose to ignore it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/23/24

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dandksmommyisme S

Please see my previous review.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

11/23/24

Full Review

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Tim Mielants

Director

Cillian Murphy

Bill Furlong

Eileen Walsh

Eileen Furlong

Michelle Fairley

Mrs. Wilson

Clare Dunne

Sr. Carmel

Helen Behan

Mrs.Kehoe

Small Things Like These: Exclusive Extended Movie Clip - Bring Her In

4:51

Small Things Like These: Exclusive Movie Clip - Jigsaw Puzzle

0:38

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Small Things Like These: Trailer 1

2:09

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Synopsis

Small Things Like These takes place over Christmas in 1985, when devoted father and coal merchant Bill Furlong (Cillian Murphy) discovers startling secrets kept by the convent in his town, along with some shocking truths of his own. The film reveals truths about Ireland's Magdalene laundries -- horrific asylums run by Roman Catholic institutions from the 1820s until 1996, ostensibly to reform "fallen young women." Adapted from the Booker Prize nominated novel by Claire Keegan.

Director: Tim Mielants
Producer: Alan Moloney, Cillian Murphy, Catherine Magee, Matt Damon, Drew Vinton, Jeff Robinov
Screenwriter: Enda Walsh
Distributor: Roadside Attractions, Lionsgate Films
Production Co: Artists Equity, Screen Ireland
Rating: PG-13 (Thematic Material)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 8, 2024, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 17, 2024
Box Office (Gross USA): $1.6M
Runtime: 1h 37m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital

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