Cillian Murphy Returns to Cinema in Powerful Drama about Ireland’s Magdalene Laundries
Oscar-winning actor Cillian Murphy takes on a new and deeply moving role in Small Things Like These, a film set in 1985 Ireland that unveils the dark history of the Magdalene laundries. This latest project brings Murphy back to the big screen, marking a significant moment in his career as he explores the story of a man uncovering hidden trauma in his town.
Behind the Scenes of Small Things Like These
Fresh from becoming the first Irish-born actor to win an Oscar for Best Actor, Murphy spoke at the UK premiere, sharing insights about his approach to work post-Oscars. “It’s my third film since then, so that was clearly my coping mechanism,” he joked. Set in Wexford, Ireland, the film is adapted from Claire Keegan’s prize-winning novel and follows coalman Bill Furlong, who stumbles upon the unsettling truths behind a local Magdalene laundry’s operations.
Murphy originally pitched the idea to producer Matt Damon, describing it as “a little bit Manchester By The Sea meets Doubt.” He emphasised the importance of honouring Keegan’s novel, saying, “Claire’s story was magnificent in its brevity, and it moved people. Our challenge was to make a film that did justice to it.”
A Poignant Dedication to Magdalene Laundry Survivors
Small Things Like These is dedicated to over 56,000 women sent to Magdalene institutions between 1922 and 1998 for “penance and rehabilitation,” along with the children taken from them. In 2013, Irish prime minister Enda Kenny issued an official apology on behalf of the state, calling the laundries “the nation’s shame.” The institutions, often run by the Catholic Church, detained girls and young women for reasons ranging from poverty to out-of-wedlock pregnancies. The last Magdalene laundry closed in 1996 in Dublin.
Murphy’s Next Steps as a Producer
In addition to starring, Murphy also produced Small Things Like These through his new production company, Big Things. As he steps into production, Murphy says he aims to focus on storytelling that centres on the human experience. “I like to make films with a human dimension. They’re entertaining, but they’re about people,” he explained.
Murphy also hinted at his upcoming projects, including an adaptation of another novel, marking a promising start for Big Things in bringing powerful narratives to the screen.
Upcoming Projects: Peaky Blinders and 28 Days Later Sequel
While he still finds his recent Oscar win for Oppenheimer surreal, Murphy hinted at a quiet moment to reflect come Christmas. Meanwhile, he has completed filming the sequel to his 2002 hit, 28 Days Later, titled 28 Years Later, due for release in summer 2025. Additionally, Murphy is halfway through production on the Peaky Blinders film, describing it as “very familiar, but different in a good way.”
Small Things Like These opens in cinemas on 1 November, bringing a haunting yet vital story to audiences worldwide.
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