It’s hard to believe it, but in the first image ofTim Mielants’s (Nobody Has to Know) latest project,Cillian Murphylooks like he’s seen better days. While the actor may be recuperating from one of the biggest years of his life, having played the titular role as the papa of the atom bomb inChristopher Nolan’sOppenheimer, his character in Mielants’s historical drama,Small Things Like These, is definitely not on the same wavelength. And, his vibe is completely understandable as the production, which is based onClaire Keegan’s novel of the same name, is an eye-opening look into Ireland’s Magdalen laundries.Mental health has always been a misunderstood struggle(particularly for women), through the decades and in Ireland, from the 1820s up until 1996, these asylums were run by the Roman Catholic denomination and said to be on a righteous mission to bring back unstable young women from the brink of insanity. Spoiler alert - they didwaymore harm than good, and the film, like the novel it’s adapted from, will show just how much irreparable damage was caused.
In the image, Murphy can be seen wandering down a dark and empty street following a rainstorm. With his briefcase in one hand, his expression and the gaunt, strung-out look behind his eyes make it clear that he’sseen some things. In his character bio,we know that the recent Golden Globe-winning performer will appear as a blue-collar worker in the coal industry named Bill Furlong. A dedicated father and member of the community, Bill stumbles upon some secrets during the holiday season of 1985 that change his opinion on the religious groups folded within his town. While it isn’t clear if Bill has ties to the Magdalen laundries, we know that he’s a dedicated father willing to do anything for his child.
The film, which is slated to open theBerlin Film Festivalin mid-February, was adapted for the screen byEnda Walsh, who has an impressively stacked list of credits under his belt on both stage and screen. Having penned the book for the stage adaptation of the musical filmOnce, Walsh also wrote the script forSteve McQueen’s feature-length directorial debut,Hunger. His work onSmall Things Like Thesemarks a reunion for Walsh and the leading man as the pair, who are close friends outside the industry, previously worked alongside one another on Walsh’s 2012 play,Misterman.
Who Is Behind ‘Small Things Like These’?
Along with Murphy, the gripping drama will also featureEileen Walsh(Catastrophe),Michelle Fairley(Game of Thrones), and Academy Award-nominee,Emily Watson(Breaking the Waves). Along with starring in the project, Murphy also produced the film withAlan Moloneyunder their Big Things Films withCatherine MageeandDrew Vinton. Making it a full-circle moment, Murphy’sOppenheimerco-star,Matt Damon, has signed on to produce the feature, while his business bro and bestie,Ben Affleck, will executive produce alongsideKevin HalloranandMichael Joefor Artists Equity.
As of right now,Small Things Like Thesehasn’t announced a worldwide release date but stay tuned for more information.
