Cillian Murphy-starrer, ''Small Things Like These'', sheds light on Ireland's dark past

The Magdalene Laundries in Ireland were Catholic-run facilities that operated from the 18th century until 1996, involving forced labour of "fallen" women under severe conditions.

This is a dark past of Ireland, and it's shrouded in secrecy and stigma, and the Church and state have been slow to acknowledge it. The recent Irish historical drama Small Things Like This explores this poorly known part of history, directed by Tim Mielants, produced by Matt Damon and starring Cillian Murphy.

Set in 1985 in a peaceful Irish mining village preparing for Christmas, the film introduces Bill Furlong, played by Cillian Murphy. Furlong, a coal merchant and family guy, witnesses a shocking sight that forces him to confront the harsh realities beneath the peaceful town.

The plot unfolds as Bill discovers a little girl, injured and freezing, hidden away in a convent's convent's coal shed, a sight that haunts him and questions his moral values.

Despite its intentions, the film's faithfulness to Claire Keegan's original work is a double-edged sword. The screenplay depicts the characters' emotions, but it feels unnatural, missing the chance that film adaptations could afford.

Murphy's performance as Furlong is decent. He conveys a complex range of emotions that scream louder than words, particularly in scenes where he must reconcile his conscience with the repressive power owned by the sinister Sister Mary, played by Emily Watson.

The plot's strength comes from its subtlety and the slow breakdown of Furlong's stoic resolve against the injustices he encounters. The film has a sequence of flashbacks that deepen our understanding of Bill's background and its links with the present, yet they can occasionally feel extended.

A question arises, would Bill's newfound awareness motivate him to act, or will societal pressures and threats from the powerful Sister Mary keep him silent?

Mielants creates a self-aware and unnerving story by blending the film's calm progress with moments of conflict. While some may criticize the film's story development, its ability to highlight a tragic moment in Irish history through ordinary bravery is powerful.

Small Things Like These does more than merely narrate history; it reflects on morality, collaboration, and the modest acts of courage that can illuminate even the darkest of times.

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