The Dark Irish History That Cillian Murphy Can’t Escape in ‘Small Things Like These’

Cillian Murphy’s career has long been characterized by intense, often high-stakes roles, from the terror of 28 Days Later to the intellectual turmoil of Oppenheimer. Yet, following his career-defining performance as J. Robert Oppenheimer—a role that won him widespread acclaim and an Oscar for Best Actor in 2024—Murphy made a surprising pivot. His next project was Small Things Like These, a historical drama set against a sensitive chapter of Irish history. Directed by Tim Mielants and adapted from Claire Keegan’s 2021 novel, the film focuses on the Magdalene Laundries—Catholic-run institutions that existed in Ireland from the 1820s to 1996, where young women, often victims of societal judgment, were subjected to harsh treatment under the guise of reform.

Murphy stars as Bill Furlong, a coal merchant whose delivery route takes him to a local convent where dark secrets come to light. As he uncovers the truth about the abuses taking place within the walls of the institution, Furlong must confront his own past and the moral dilemmas that arise. Critics have praised Murphy’s nuanced performance, noting that it is a far cry from his more outwardly intense roles in films like Inception or Dunkirk. Rather than the stoic, action-hero archetype, Furlong is a quieter, introspective man grappling with internal conflict, and Murphy’s ability to convey these emotions through subtle expressions has been described as “exquisitely pained” and “riveting.”

A Shift in Focus: The “Strange Connection”
The term “strange connection” seems fitting for Murphy’s choice to follow the grandiosity of Oppenheimer with a smaller, more intimate film. While it might have been expected that Murphy would pursue another high-budget, commercially-driven project after winning an Oscar, he instead chose Small Things Like These, a meditative exploration of intergenerational trauma, religious control, and human decency. This pivot marks a shift not just in the scale of the project but also in the thematic exploration of Irish history—a subject that feels personally significant given Murphy’s own Irish roots.

Where Oppenheimer was a sprawling biographical thriller about the creation of the atomic bomb, Small Things Like These is a delicate, slow-moving drama focusing on moral awakening rather than physical action. The “strangeness” of Murphy’s decision to take on such a subdued role, especially after the massive success of Oppenheimer, lies in its stark contrast to his recent career trajectory. Rather than opting for another high-profile blockbuster, he chose a story that focuses on intimate, human stories of guilt, shame, and redemption—a bold choice for an actor whose name is now synonymous with larger-than-life roles.

Critics have noted the film’s understated storytelling, a pacing that leans into its meditative nature rather than rushing toward plot resolution. For Murphy, this approach offers a stark contrast to the action-driven roles he’s been known for in films like Dunkirk and Inception. This thematic shift highlights Murphy’s range as an actor, proving he is not bound by any particular genre or type of character. Instead, his decision to take on a story of quiet moral conflict underscores his dedication to quality storytelling rather than mere box-office appeal.

A Personal Connection to the Story
Given Murphy’s Irish heritage, his involvement in Small Things Like These may also be deeply personal. The Magdalene Laundries are a controversial chapter in Ireland’s history, and their inclusion in the film provides a poignant backdrop for the moral questions explored by the characters. Murphy’s choice to participate in a film dealing with this national tragedy—one that remains a source of trauma for many in Ireland—adds a layer of complexity to his decision. The film’s setting during Christmas 1985 further underscores its intimate, reflective tone, allowing Murphy to explore a character who, while not actively seeking heroism, finds himself confronting profound moral truths.

While the “strange connection” between Oppenheimer and Small Things Like These could be seen as a career risk, it is, in many ways, a calculated one. Murphy’s choice of roles reflects his commitment to exploring the breadth of human experience—whether it’s the high-octane pressure of atomic warfare or the quiet tension of a man questioning his moral compass against a backdrop of historical injustice.

**Comparing Two Giants: Oppenheimer vs Small Things Like These
To understand the gravity of Murphy’s career shift, a comparison with his recent work in Oppenheimer is illuminating. Below is a comparison of the two films, which, despite being fundamentally different in scope and tone, showcase Murphy’s impressive range as an actor.

Oppenheimer deals with global stakes and an intellectual race against time, whereas Small Things Like These zooms in on one man’s internal journey, set against the tragic backdrop of Ireland’s Magdalene Laundries. Despite the stark contrast in their storytelling approaches, both films showcase Murphy’s ability to dig deep into complex human emotions, making his post-Oscar choice to pursue a quieter, smaller project all the more intriguing.

A Bold Career Choice
Ultimately, Murphy’s decision to follow up his Oscar-winning role with Small Things Like These speaks volumes about his commitment to diverse storytelling. While it may be seen as a “strange connection,” it is, in fact, a masterful exploration of an actor’s desire to challenge himself and explore the depth of human emotion through varied narratives. Whether in the chaotic world of atomic research or the quiet, reflective moments of a man confronting his past, Cillian Murphy continues to prove that his talent transcends genre, making each new project a fascinating exploration of the human condition.