In the world of filmmaking, unexpected collaborations often lead to remarkable results. Such is the case with the upcoming film, Small Things Like These, directed by Tim Mielants, a filmmaker from Belgium. This Irish-themed movie delves into the culture and history of Ireland, specifically focusing on the abuse and complicity surrounding the Magdalene Laundries.
Drawing inspiration from Peter Mullan's 2002 drama, The Magdalene Sisters, Small Things Like These takes a different approach by shifting the spotlight to the outside world and exploring the community's role in allowing the abuse to persist. This project brings together Mielants, who previously worked with the film's star Cillian Murphy on the hit series Peaky Blinders, alongside production companies Big Things Films, Artists Equity, and Wilder Films. FilmNation Entertainment is overseeing the international sales of the film.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter before the film's world premiere at the 74th Berlinale, Mielants discusses his reunion with Murphy, the personal nature of the story, and his aim to redefine onscreen masculinity. The collaboration between Murphy and Mielants began before their previous work on Peaky Blinders, with both expressing a strong desire to collaborate again. They explored various themes and ideas until Cillian and his wife brought forward Claire Keegan's book, which resonated with Mielants on a personal level. Thus, the journey to bring Small Things Like These to life began.
What drew Mielants to this story and its characters was the theme of grief, which has been a recurring aspect in his prior works. Having experienced his own loss at a young age, Mielants understood the delayed grief that unfolds as time passes. Exploring the struggles of a middle-aged man attempting to cope with grief and navigate doing what is right felt like a story he could authentically tell. While the film revolves around the Catholic Church and its impact, Mielants also drew from his own Roman Catholic background, recognizing the parallels with similar stories in Belgium.
The director's vision for Small Things Like These included a fresh perspective on the Magdalene asylums, framed through the eyes of a middle-aged man dealing with his own grief. Mielants believes in the strength that can emerge from confronting grief head-on. Additionally, the movie touches upon the concept of moral courage within an autocracy, drawing comparisons to Mielants' previous film, Wil, set during World War II. It poses the question of what one would do in such circumstances and explores the struggle to take a stand against injustice.
When asked about Mullan's film, The Magdalene Sisters, Mielants revealed that he deliberately avoided revisiting it to maintain a fresh perspective on his own project. Interestingly, Eileen Walsh, one of the girls from The Magdalene Sisters, stars as Murphy's wife in Small Things Like These. While Mielants hadn't initially planned to use her casting as a symbolic representation of generational trauma, he found the idea compelling and appreciated the notion of Ms. Walsh's character transitioning away from a traumatic past.
Describing Cillian Murphy's character, Bill Furlong, Mielants paints a picture of existential emptiness combined with extreme vulnerability. Furlong is a quiet individual who attempts to shield himself from the world, struggling internally with his vulnerability. Mielants structured the film around the five stages of grief, allowing the viewers to witness the character's arc of depression through his eyes and empathize with his experience.
As a director, Mielants believes in conveying emotions and character development visually, relying on the power of the lens and the portrayal of emotions through a character's eyes. With an actor as talented as Cillian Murphy, Mielants trusts in his ability to bring depth to a role with minimal dialogue. Their shared personal connection to the story allowed for a deeper understanding between director and actor, resulting in a powerful performance.
The film also benefits from the involvement of producers Cillian Murphy, Matt Damon, and Ben Affleck. Their support and collaborative spirit helped shape the story from a production standpoint, with Damon providing valuable insights during the editing process that elevated the film further.
Small Things Like These challenges traditional notions of masculinity, particularly Irish masculinity, onscreen. The depiction of Bill Furlong offers a vulnerable and introspective portrayal, distinct from the more boisterous archetypes often associated with Irish men. While this depiction wasn't the explicit goal of the film, it aligns with a feminist perspective that encourages a reevaluation of the types of masculinity portrayed in media.
The collaboration between Tim Mielants, Cillian Murphy, and the entire team behind Small Things Like These promises to deliver a thoughtful and emotionally impactful exploration of the Magdalene Laundries and the struggle for justice. As the film premieres at the Berlinale, audiences can anticipate a unique perspective on a deeply ingrained part of Irish history, encapsulated within the framework of personal grief and the complexities of doing what is right.
