Cast of Small Things Like These Film – Full Cast List and Roles
The 2024 historical drama Small Things Like These brings together an ensemble of acclaimed Irish and international actors led by Cillian Murphy. Directed by Tim Mielants, the film adapts Claire Keegan’s celebrated 2021 novel exploring the legacy of Ireland’s Magdalene laundries.
Murphy stars as Bill Furlong, a coal merchant confronting uncomfortable truths in 1980s Ireland. The Cast of Small Things Like These Film – Full Cast List and Roles includes Emmy and BAFTA nominees alongside emerging talent, forming a carefully selected group that brings historical weight to the narrative.
Produced as an Irish-Belgian co-production, the film marks Murphy’s continued collaboration with director Mielants following their work on the series Peaky Blinders. The project also represents a significant producing credit for Murphy alongside Hollywood figure Matt Damon.
Who is in the Cast of Small Things Like These?
Bill Furlong
Sister Mary
Mrs. Wilson
Eileen Furlong
- Cillian Murphy serves as both lead actor and producer, marking a dual role in the production
- The ensemble includes Emily Watson, known for nuanced performances in prestige dramas
- Michelle Fairley brings extensive television experience to the role of Mrs. Wilson
- Eileen Walsh appears as Bill’s wife Eileen, marking a reunion with Murphy years after their earlier collaboration
- Supporting roles feature a mix of established character actors and rising Irish stars
- The casting emphasizes authentic Irish talent for this historically rooted story
- Matt Damon joins the production team as a producer alongside Murphy
| Character | Actor | Role Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bill Furlong | Cillian Murphy | Coal merchant and protagonist |
| Eileen Furlong | Eileen Walsh | Bill’s wife |
| Sister Mary | Emily Watson | Mother Superior of the convent |
| Mrs. Wilson | Michelle Fairley | Local figure |
| Sister Carmel | Clare Dunne | Convent sister |
| Mrs. Kehoe | Helen Behan | Pub owner |
| Kathleen Furlong | Liadán Dunlea | Bill’s eldest daughter |
| Sarah Furlong | Agnes O’Casey | Bill’s mother |
| Ned | Mark McKenna | Mrs. Wilson’s farmhand |
What is Small Things Like These About?
The Central Narrative
The film centers on Bill Furlong, a hardworking coal merchant in 1980s Ireland who makes a disturbing discovery while delivering supplies to a local convent. As Furlong confronts evidence of the Magdalene laundries operations, he faces moral choices that challenge his community’s silence.
Historical Background
The narrative explores the real-world institutions run by Catholic orders where unmarried women and girls were confined and forced to work under harsh conditions. These facilities operated in Ireland from the 18th century until 1996.
The screenplay by Enda Walsh adapts Claire Keegan’s 2021 novella of the same title, which won the Orwell Prize for Political Fiction and received the Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year award.
Who Directed Small Things Like These?
Direction
Belgian director Tim Mielants helms the project, bringing his distinctive visual approach to the Irish historical setting. Mielants previously directed episodes of Peaky Blinders, establishing his working relationship with Cillian Murphy.
Screenplay and Production
Enda Walsh adapted Keegan’s novel for the screen. The production team includes cinematographer Frank van den Eeden, editor Alain Dessauvage, and composer Senjan Jansen. Green Noise for Sleep – Softer Nature Sounds for Rest provides ambient audio resources for production environments.
Small Things Like These Release and Availability
The film premiered on , with a runtime of 96 minutes. The theatrical release kicked off the film’s public exhibition, though specific streaming availability remains unconfirmed.
Cillian Murphy joined the production not only as the lead performer but as a producer, working alongside Matt Damon, Catherine Magee, Alan Moloney, and Drew Vinton to bring the project to completion.
Current distribution details beyond the November theatrical release remain limited. Audiences should check local listings for current screening schedules and future platform availability.
For complete character breakdowns, refer to the Cast of Small Things Like These Film – Full Cast List and Roles.
Production Milestones
- : Claire Keegan publishes the source novel to critical acclaim
- : Film completes production as Irish-Belgian co-production
- : Official theatrical premiere
Verified Information and Remaining Questions
| Established Facts | Unclear Details |
|---|---|
| Cillian Murphy plays Bill Furlong | Specific streaming platform dates |
| Tim Mielants directed the film | International release schedules beyond initial rollout |
| Released November 8, 2024 | Box office performance figures |
| 96-minute runtime | DVD/Blu-ray release plans |
The Historical Context of the Magdalene Laundries
The film addresses the Magdalene laundries, institutions that incarcerated thousands of women in Ireland throughout the 20th century. These facilities, often run by religious orders, forced inmates to perform unpaid labor while concealing them from society.
By setting the story in 1980s Ireland, the narrative examines how these institutions persisted into the modern era, with the last laundry closing only in 1996. The story explores complicity, silence, and individual moral courage within communities that knew of these operations.
Sources and Production Background
The production draws from extensive historical documentation of the Magdalene laundry system. Claire Keegan’s novella provided the narrative foundation, while Enda Walsh’s adaptation maintained the source material’s emotional precision.
Cinematographer Frank van den Eeden shot the film, with Alain Dessauvage editing and Paki Smith designing the production sets. The Irish-Belgian co-production structure allowed for international financing while maintaining authentic Irish settings and talent.
Summary
Small Things Like These assembles a distinguished Cast of Small Things Like These Film – Full Cast List and Roles led by Cillian Murphy’s portrayal of Bill Furlong. The 2024 release directed by Tim Mielants adapts Claire Keegan’s acclaimed novel with supporting performances from Emily Watson, Michelle Fairley, and Eileen Walsh. While theatrical release details are confirmed for November 8, 2024, extended viewing options remain under development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Small Things Like These based on a book?
Yes. The film adapts Claire Keegan’s 2021 novella of the same name, which explores the Magdalene laundries in Ireland through the story of coal merchant Bill Furlong.
Who plays Bill Furlong?
Cillian Murphy portrays Bill Furlong, the coal merchant protagonist who discovers disturbing truths about his local convent while making deliveries in 1980s Ireland.
When was the film released?
The film was released on November 8, 2024. It premiered theatrically on this date with a runtime of 96 minutes.
How long is Small Things Like These?
The runtime is 96 minutes. This concise length reflects the focused, intimate nature of the historical drama adapted from Claire Keegan’s novella.
Who directed the film?
Tim Mielants directed the film. The Belgian filmmaker previously collaborated with Cillian Murphy on the television series Peaky Blinders.
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