Irish actor and producer Cillian Murphy, star of the film Small Things Like These, recently opened up about the complex themes and emotional depth that drew him to the project. Based on the 2021 novel by Claire Keegan, the story centers on a coal merchant who uncovers troubling truths within a local convent. For Murphy, the story resonated deeply, both as an actor and a producer. “It’s a seemingly simple story,” Murphy explains, “but when you really look at it, it’s incredibly complex, addressing large, compelling themes.”
Small Things Like These confronts the grim legacy of the Magdalene Laundries in Ireland, a dark chapter in which thousands of women were subjected to forced labor in institutions run by the Catholic Church. Reflecting on Ireland’s past, Murphy recalls a “weird cognitive dissonance” around the laundries. “We kind of knew what was happening, but we didn’t know the extent. It wasn’t talked about openly.” Having grown up during a transitional period in Ireland, Murphy describes how he experienced both the deeply conservative past and the modern, progressive present, making the project particularly personal.
Murphy emphasizes the significance of portraying the town of New Ross, County Wexford, the setting for the novel, as an integral character in the film. “It had never been used as a location before, but it’s stunningly atmospheric. We didn’t build sets; we used real locations, adding an authenticity to the story.”
Working with familiar collaborators, Murphy brought aboard screenwriter Enda Walsh and director Tim Mielants. Murphy trusted Walsh, with whom he has a strong creative rapport, to adapt Keegan’s novel with fidelity. Mielants, a Belgian director known for his work on Peaky Blinders, was an unconventional choice to bring an Irish story to life, yet Murphy valued the fresh perspective Mielants provided. “Sometimes an outsider’s view can be incredibly insightful,” he notes.
In portraying the character Bill Furlong, Murphy faced the challenge of conveying complex emotions through subtle expressions and body language, given Furlong’s reserved nature. “It’s a challenge I love,” he says. “For this film, a quiet, reflective presence fit perfectly with the themes of moral responsibility and silent resilience.”
The film raises questions about moral courage and societal complicity, issues Murphy believes resonate globally. “It’s about whether we are responsible for each other as human beings. It’s not prescriptive; it’s more of a provocation, challenging audiences to reflect on what they would do in Furlong’s position.”
Following his Oscar win for Oppenheimer earlier this year, Murphy expressed gratitude, though he remains focused on future projects. “It still feels surreal,” he admits, describing his immediate return to work after the ceremony.
With Small Things Like These, Murphy hopes to continue sparking discussions about Ireland’s past and the lingering effects on present generations. The film has received significant attention for its sensitivity in handling a painful chapter of Irish history, generating conversations both in Ireland and beyond.
