Lionsgate has officially announced the release dates for “Small Things Like These,” a highly anticipated film featuring none other than Oscar-winning actor Cillian Murphy. The film is based on the acclaimed novel by Claire Keegan, and it has already garnered significant attention after its debut at the Berlin Film Festival in February. This marked a notable achievement as it was the first time an Irish film had the honor of opening the prestigious festival. In a remarkable performance, Emily Watson earned the Silver Bear award for Best Supporting Performance.
The film will hit screens in the UK and Ireland on November 1, with a subsequent release in the United States on November 8, thanks to a partnership with Roadside Attractions. The storyline revolves around Bill Furlong, portrayed by Murphy, who balances the responsibilities of being a coal merchant and a dedicated father. As he navigates his daily life, Furlong uncovers unsettling secrets tied to a local convent, which not only challenge the fabric of his small Irish town but also compel him to confront his own past.
“Small Things Like These,” set during the lead-up to Christmas in 1985, is directed by Tim Mielants, known for his work on “Peaky Blinders,” and the screenplay is adapted by Enda Walsh from Keegan’s Booker Prize-shortlisted work. Murphy, deeply connected to the project, has expressed his admiration for the source material, noting its specificity and universal themes.
Joining Murphy in the cast are Eileen Walsh, Michelle Fairley, and Zara Devlin. The film is produced by Murphy alongside his longtime colleague Alan Moloney under the Big Things Films banner, with backing from Matt Damon and Ben Affleck’s Artists Equity, which came into play after Murphy’s memorable encounter with Damon during the production of “Oppenheimer.”
Lionsgate has given fans a sneak peek with the release of a new trailer and poster for the film, fueling excitement for its upcoming debut. This film not only promises to deliver a captivating narrative but also sheds light on the themes of complicity and the consequences of silence within a tight-knit community influenced by the Catholic Church. As the release dates draw near, anticipation continues to build around this poignant drama.