Cillian Murphy Historical Drama ‘Small Things Like These’ to Open Berlin Film Festival

“Small Things Like These,” a historical drama starring Cillian Murphy, is set to open this year’s Berlin Film Festival.

Directed by Tim Mielants and scripted by Enda Walsh, the film is set for its world premiere on Feb. 15 in the festival's competition. Drawing from Claire Keegan's book of the same name, it unveils the harsh realities of Ireland's Magdalen laundries – institutions run by Roman Catholic entities from the 1820s to 1996, ostensibly aimed at reforming 'fallen young women.' Eileen Walsh, Michelle Fairley, and Emily Watson join Murphy in the cast, with Murphy portraying Bill Furlong, a devoted father and coal merchant who, during Christmas 1985, unveils startling secrets held by the local convent and discovers shocking truths of his own.

Murphy takes on a dual role as both actor and producer, teaming up with Alan Moloney for Big Things Films alongside Catherine Magee. Matt Damon and Drew Vinton are also producers, with Ben Affleck, Kevin Halloran, and Michael Joe serving as executive producers for Artists Equity. FilmNation Entertainment manages international sales. The film, financed by Artists Equity and Screen Ireland/Fís Éireann, is co-produced in Belgium by Wilder Content.

Amidst Murphy's successful run with his performance in Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” which earned him a Golden Globe for best actor in a motion picture drama and a SAG Award nomination, "Small Things Like These" is anticipated to make a significant impact. Tim Mielants, the director, is praised by Berlinale artistic director Carlo Chatrian for portraying a man of few words with clear-eyed sincerity. Chatrian expresses confidence that the film, with its themes of kindness to the fragile and the determination to confront injustice, will resonate widely. The Berlin Film Festival marks the commencement of Zeitgeist Irland 24, a year-long celebration of Irish culture in Germany.

Read the whole article on Variety.