Cillian Murphy's Latest Film Will Open at The Berlin Film Festival

Cillian Murphy's upcoming film, ‘Small Things Like These,’ is set to open the Berlin International Film Festival this year. Directed by Tim Mielants of Peaky Blinders fame and based on the 2021 book by Irish author Claire Keegan, the screenplay is penned by Enda Walsh.

Murphy, known for his role in ‘Oppenheimer,’ portrays Bill Furlong, a devoted father and coal merchant, who uncovers disturbing truths about the Magdalene Laundries in 1980s Ireland.

The film boasts a stellar cast, including Ciaran Hinds from ‘Belfast,’ Emily Watson from ‘Chernobyl,’ Michelle Fairley from ‘Game of Thrones’ and Irish actor Eileen Walsh, who starred in the 2002 film ‘The Magdalene Sisters’ about the infamous asylums. 

Murphy, along with Alan Moloney through their company Big Things Films, produced the film, with additional backing from Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Kevin Halloran, and Michael Joe.

The 74th Berlinale, running from February 15-25, will showcase this compelling narrative that sheds light on kindness, resilience against injustice, and the hidden truths of the Magdalene Laundries. Festival Artistic Director Carlo Chatrian expressed confidence in the film's resonance and anticipation for its launch as part of Zeitgeist Irland 24, a year-long celebration of Irish culture in Germany.

Chatrian highlighted the film's unique portrayal of Claire Keegan's storytelling, praising Cillian Murphy's interpretation of the delicate yet powerful narrative. Keegan's previous work, ‘Foster,’ was adapted into ‘The Quiet Girl,’ earning Ireland its first Academy Award nomination for Best International Feature Film at the 95th Oscars.

In other news, despite Murphy's success in ‘Oppenheimer’ during the award season, he narrowly missed out on the Critics Choice Award for 'Best Actor.'

– Farheen Ali