Based on the 2021 novel by Claire Keegan, Bill (Cillian Murphy) works as a local coal merchant in 1985 Ireland. He starts to notice strange behavior coming from the convent he delivers to. He encounters one of the women inside begging him to take her away. Troubled by this, he contemplates helping, thinking of his own daughters and the memories of his late mother. 

​

What's most admirable about Small Things Like These is the fact that it chooses to take its time. It’s a tight knit time capsule, documenting someone grappling with the reality of being a bystander. Even with a heavy, very specific story, Bill’s experience of overthinking with his own past and present still feels relatable by the end. The production design is tight, the cinematography is gorgeous, and the performances are stellar. Murphy's portrayal of Bill might be the best performance yet from the Academy Award winner. 

​

Small Things Like These is a beautiful film and I’m not sure there is anything much else I can say that will do it justice. It’s just one of those you have to see on your own to understand what I mean.