Cillian Murphy’s latest film, Small Things Like These, premiered in Dublin last night, and the actor spoke passionately about the film’s themes, his collaboration with Eileen Walsh, and the importance of telling Ireland’s history.
Based on Claire Keegan’s acclaimed novel, Small Things Like These sees Murphy portray Bill, a coal merchant in 1980s Ireland, grappling with moral dilemmas when he discovers a Magdalene laundry operating within a local convent. Murphy praised the screenplay by Enda Walsh, stating that the cast, recognizing the brilliance of the book, readily embraced the project.
“They all went for it straight away. Those guys are so sophisticated in their tastes and they all recognised how brilliant the book is, so it wasn’t a hard sell,” Murphy shared.
The film explores complex social issues, and Murphy hopes it will resonate with audiences today, prompting reflection and discussion. “I think it should ask questions, it should be provocative and it should get people thinking, because audiences are super smart. People see those resonances, we don’t have to point them out,” he said.
You could feel the history in the relationship already, without us doing anything, just us being together
Murphy’s reunion with Eileen Walsh, his co-star from the stage production of Disco Pigs 28 years ago, added a special dimension to the film. “She’s just so wonderful. She’s a legend and she’s one of my best pals. Director Tim Mielants, when he put the camera on us, you could feel the history in the relationship already, without us doing anything, just us being together,” Murphy remarked.
Walsh echoed Murphy’s sentiment, describing the collaboration as a “full-circle moment.” “It was easy. The older you get, the more you appreciate working with somebody good. He knows what he’s doing, and it’s lovely to meet those eyes across a scene and then just act,” she shared.
Producer Catherine Magee emphasized the significance of telling stories from Ireland’s past. “That’s the great power of the story. I read the last couple of pages of the book again recently and Keegan talks about the accumulation of small gestures and small things and how they become a lifetime,” Magee explained.
Small Things Like These promises to be a powerful and moving cinematic experience, exploring themes of morality, compassion, and the enduring strength of human connection.
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