Cillian Murphy's Post-Oppenheimer Return: 'Small Things Like These' Trailer

Fresh off his Oscar-winning turn in "Oppenheimer," Cillian Murphy is back on the big screen with a bang. The first trailer for "Small Things Like These" has just hit the internet, and it's already causing quite a stir. Let's dive into what makes this film a must-watch!

From Page to Screen: A Powerful Adaptation

Based on Claire Keegan's novel of the same name, "Small Things Like These" transports us to pre-Christmas Ireland in 1985. Murphy plays Bill Furlong, a hard-working coal merchant just trying to provide for his family. But hold onto your hats, folks – this isn't your typical holiday feel-good story.

As Furlong goes about his business, he stumbles upon some seriously unsettling secrets hidden within the local convent. Talk about opening a can of worms! This discovery forces our protagonist to confront not only the dark underbelly of his town but also the skeletons in his own closet.

A Star-Studded Cast Brings History to Life

Murphy isn't the only heavy-hitter in this film. The cast is stacked with talent, including:

Emily Watson (who snagged a Silver Bear for Best Supporting Performance at the Berlin Film Festival)

Eileen Walsh

Michelle Fairley

Zara Devlin

Behind the camera, we've got Tim Mielants (known for "Peaky Blinders") in the director's chair, while Enda Walsh (the mind behind "Hunger" and "Disco Pigs") penned the screenplay.

Shining a Light on Dark History

Now, buckle up because things are about to get real. "Small Things Like These" tackles the horrifying true story of Ireland's Magdalene Laundries. These institutions, run by the Catholic Church, were supposed to be safe havens for "fallen women." In reality, they were more like prisons where women and girls faced unimaginable abuse.

The film doesn't shy away from this dark chapter of Irish history. In one gut-wrenching scene from the trailer, we see Furlong witnessing a young girl being forcibly dragged into the convent by her own mother. "Mam, please! Stop! No please! I'm not going in there," the girl screams. It's a moment that'll haunt you long after the credits roll.

From Berlin to Your Local Cinema

"Small Things Like These" made history as the first Irish film to open the prestigious Berlin Film Festival. Talk about starting with a bang! The film hits theaters in Ireland and the UK on November 1st, with a US release following on November 8th.

Why This Film Matters

In a world where we're constantly bombarded with superhero blockbusters and franchises, "Small Things Like These" reminds us of the power of intimate, character-driven storytelling. It forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about complicity and silence in the face of injustice.

As Murphy himself put it in a Deadline interview, the story has a "huge universality" despite its specific setting. It's a testament to the idea that sometimes, the smallest actions can have the biggest impact.