Small Things Like These

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Small Things Like These

PG-13

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1h 37m

Drama

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92%

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91 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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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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Helen O'Hara

Empire Magazine

A deliberate film that uses small moments to examine one of the great questions of our time: how good people let bad things happen, and how we might push back against the dark.  

Rated: 4/5

Nov 13, 2024

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Mick LaSalle

San Francisco Chronicle

It’s a sensitive movie on a worthy subject. In fact, it’s so sensitive and worthy that one is reluctant to mention that there’s little pleasure in watching it.

Rated: 2/4

Nov 13, 2024

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Stefan Pape

Common Sense Media

It helps that it's based on such an emotionally driven novel—by Claire Keegan—as well as some remarkable and stirring performances.

Nov 20, 2024

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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

Intense and somber Irish morality drama.

Rated: B

Nov 20, 2024

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Ruth Maramis

FlixChatter Film Blog

I appreciate the no-frills approach here, where the filmmakers did not bludgeon viewers with overexpositions. Murphy's subtle but astute performance is the film’s special effect.

Rated: 4/5

Nov 20, 2024

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Veronica

The true story of how unmarried mothers were incarcerated in mother and baby homes run by nuns in Ireland - and their babies stolen and trafficked to America needs never to be forgotten. Small Things Like These depicts this dark time, showing how secrets and indifference allowed this to continue for years and years. I loved it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/22/24

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Ardell

This is a quiet and powerful movie which faithfully follows the brilliant book by Claire Keegan. The talented Irish playwright Enda Walsh wrote the script. The acting is superb.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/22/24

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Meloney

We enjoyed this one…. A man commits a small but important act of heroism, although the stakes for him and his family are high. The pace is a little slow, but picks up nicely at the end.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/20/24

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Kay

You could really feel the weight of the world weighing down on Cillian Murphy’s character. Incredible acting and beautiful story

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

11/19/24

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Gregory

Great lead and supporting team

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/19/24

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Allie

The story was hard to follow

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

11/18/24

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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

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Small Things Like These: Exclusive Movie Clip - Jigsaw Puzzle

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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: Lionsgate Films, Roadside Attractions
Production Co: Artists Equity, Screen Ireland
Rating: PG-13 (Thematic Material)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 8, 2024, Wide
Runtime: 1h 37m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital