‘Small Things Like These’ Trailer: Cillian Murphy Uncovers Dark Secrets

Cillian Murphy stars as Bill Furlong, a father and coal merchant, in ‘Small Things Like These’, a gripping Lionsgate drama set against the dark history of the Catholic Church in Ireland. This film, adapted from Claire Keegan’s acclaimed novella, delves into the unsettling realities surrounding the Magdalene Laundries. The film is set to premiere in theatres worldwide soon.

In the trailer, Furlong becomes increasingly aware of the horrific abuses occurring within the local convent. A chilling warning—“You want to watch what you say, about what’s there”—foreshadows the disturbing journey ahead for both Furlong and the audience. 

Image Courtesy: Collider

As the narrative unfolds, viewers witness the impact of these dark secrets on Furlong, who is morally disturbed by what he encounters during his routine coal deliveries.

The trailer captures a haunting moment when Furlong witnesses a young girl desperately pleading not to enter the convent, only to be overruled by her mother. This heart-wrenching scene leaves Furlong paralyzed by indecision, unable to intervene, and the weight of this moral dilemma follows him. The tension builds as he grapples with his conscience amid the harrowing realities he uncovers.

‘Small Things Like These’ draws from a true Irish history, portraying the Magdalene Laundries, institutions that falsely claimed to rehabilitate "fallen women." Instead, these facilities became notorious for the abuse of vulnerable women, including unwed mothers. The last of these institutions closed in 1996, but the legacy of their abuses remains a crucial part of Ireland's history.

Set in 1985, just before Christmas, Furlong finds himself at a moral crossroads. He must continue his deliveries to the convent while confronting the shocking truths hidden behind its walls. This poignant tale explores themes of complicity, morality, and the haunting echoes of history that demand recognition.

-Sushmita Sarkar