S Poddar
The man, of course, who held audiences transfixed, subtly enigmatic as J. Robert Oppenheimer, is once again at the cinema with new work: “Small Things like These.” And whereas “Oppenheimer” was itself a cinematic masterpiece and won an Oscar, “Small Things like These” silently stole the show, possessing a better Rotten Tomatoes rating.
“Small Things like These,” is a powerful drama by Tim Mielants and adapted from the 2021 novel by the same name. Murphy plays the role of Bill Furlong, a good man who works within his family to discover that there’s a dark secret lurking behind convent walls of a church near him. Based on the dire Magdalene Laundries experience that actually occurred in Ireland, the movie has the moral, social imbalance, and power that individual conscience holds.
While “Oppenheimer” was indeed a blockbuster event, “Small Things like These” provides a more deeply personal and contemplative cinematic experience. And I guess one must acknowledge Murphy’s versatility as an actor where he can emerge out of a character like Oppenheimer, with so much importance historically speaking, and a simple man caught in extraordinary circumstances.
This epic 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes testifies to the talent and impact of the film. Very few films have taken attention away from a critically acclaimed, Oscar-winning movie like “Oppenheimer.” While this is not the first great film for Cillian Murphy, it does represent a significant achievement for him, as he has had to suffer in the shadow of bigger names and blockbuster franchises.
“Small Things like These” is a movie that says more than a film; it’s a very powerful statement of the human condition, the need to stand up for what is right, and the value of little gestures in kind that can make a lot of difference.
The movie doesn’t surrender, however, in this regard to Murphy’s acting: surely, neither do his subtlety and nuance grant him the leeway whereby he could have expressed complex emotions conclusively without stepping over the line. Still, depth and authenticity characterize the performance that convinces as it heartbreaks when Bill Furlong is on screen.
Success in this film also calls out as a triumph bell for Irish cinema, setting the spotlight on the richer and more innovative talents in Irish film makers. This is a story to be put into legend and as if to prove that film-making has the power to inspire even as much as it may educate.
In the pack of superhero movies and blockbuster franchises, “Small Things like These” is a refreshing addition. A film that lingers long after the credits roll, one that keeps audiences thinking and talking, a film to be seen and appreciated.
