SPOILER ALERT: This article contains potential spoilers for the film Small Things Like These.
WARNING: This content includes references to historical violence and abuse.
Exploring Ireland’s Twilight: A Synopsis of Small Things Like These
Small Things Like These, inspired by Claire Keegan’s critically acclaimed 2021 novel, paints an evocative picture of life in Ireland during the 20th century. Set against the backdrop of Wexford in December 1985, the story follows Bill Furlong, a dedicated coal merchant striving to support his family while uncovering unsettling truths about the local convent that operates a Magdalene laundry.
Starring Cillian Murphy, who delivers a remarkable performance following his Oscar-winning role in Oppenheimer, the film premiered at the Berlin Film Festival. It boasts a stellar 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics applauding it as a powerful follow-up to Murphy’s previous success. The film is described as “a subdued and purposeful drama,”intricately exploring the experiences of women within the notorious Magdalene laundries.
Historical Roots: The Magdalene Laundries of Ireland
Tragic Housing of “Fallen Women”
While the characters are fictional, Small Things Like These is rooted in the grim history of Magdalene laundries in Ireland. Bill Furlong’s narrative reflects the stigma faced by those born to unmarried mothers, as seen in his mother Sarah’s life. Sarah, shunned for her circumstances, found support in her employer, Mrs. Wilson, and avoided the fate of many women who were not so fortunate.
Founded as early as the 18th century, the Magdalene laundries were intended to house and “redeem”women deemed as having “fallen”in society. The laundries catered to unmarried pregnant women, orphaned girls, and those classified by society as “too promiscuous.”Once admitted, many faced lifelong separation from their families and were forced into labor under harsh conditions, supervised strictly by the nuns in charge. An estimated 30,000 women and girls were detained within these institutions from 1790 until their closure in 1996, according to the National Collective of Women’s Institutes (NCWI).
Revealing the Truth: The Scandals Surrounding the Magdalene Laundries
Abuse and Forced Adoptions
Critics have noted that Small Things Like These excels in its subtlety; it conveys the horror in Bill’s observations of the convent. As he delivers coal, he witnesses the unsettling sight of a young girl being taken against her will to the laundry. These incidents trigger Bill’s suspicions about the true nature of the laundry, yet community pressure keeps him from speaking out.
It wasn’t until 1993, after a mass grave containing the remains of 155 women was uncovered in Donnybrook, that the public became aware of the horrors occurring within these institutions. Reports highlight accounts of severe mistreatment, including malnutrition, physical abuse for underperformance, and solitary confinement.
As survivors began sharing their stories, it was revealed that many women in the laundries faced unimaginable cruelty, including disciplinary beatings and forced adoptions for their children. While a few managed to escape or were rescued, countless others faced a lifetime of servitude in the laundries. The chilling details of this history echo the themes portrayed in Small Things Like These.
The Final Closure of the Magdalene Laundries
Closure Dates of Notorious Institutions
Small Things Like These is set in New Ross, Co. Wexford, where the Good Shepherd laundry operated. Although the film portrays the laundry as active in 1985, it was actually closed in 1967. Over subsequent decades, societal attitudes shifted, leading to the gradual decline of these institutions culminating with the last laundry’s closure in 1996.
| Name of Laundry | Location | Opening Year | Closure Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sisters of Mercy Magdalene Laundry | Dun Laoghaire, Dublin | 1790 | 1963 |
| Religious Sisters of Charity Laundry | Donnybrook, Dublin | 1796 | 1992 |
| St Vincent’s Magdalene Laundry | Peacock Lane, Cork | 1809 | 1991 |
| Sisters of Mercy Magdalene Laundry | Galway | 1824 | 1984 |
| Good Shepherd Magdalene Laundry | Limerick | 1826 | 1982 |
| St Mary’s Refuge Magdalene Laundry | High Park, Drumcondra, Dublin | 1831 | 1991 |
| Good Shepherd Magdalene Laundry | Waterford | 1842 | 1982 |
| Good Shepherd Magdalene Laundry | New Ross, Wexford | 1860 | 1967 |
| Good Shepherd Magdalene Laundry | Sundays Well, Cork | 1870 | 1977 |
| Our Lady of Charity Laundry | Sean McDermott Street, Dublin | 1821 | 1996 |
In 2013, the Irish government formally apologized to the Magdalene women, acknowledging the inhumane treatment they suffered. Although many laundries remain abandoned, efforts are underway, as noted by UCD Research, to establish a remembrance center at the former location on Sean McDermott Street, Dublin. This initiative aims to educate future generations about the Magdalene laundries’ history and underscore the essential need for social advocacy.
Cillian Murphy: Mastering Roles Inspired by True Stories
A Talent for Historical Portrayals
Cillian Murphy is widely regarded as one of today’s most compelling actors, with a portfolio filled with exceptional performances. Often, he shines brightest in roles that are either based on real events or historical figures. His leading role as J. Robert Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer is a testament to this, showcasing his abilities and earning him an Academy Award.
In addition to Oppenheimer, Murphy has delivered notable performances in other story-driven works. For instance, his acclaimed portrayal of Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders resonates with many viewers, despite the series being fictional. He’s collaborated effectively with Christopher Nolan again in Dunkirk, further solidifying his reputation. His poignant performance in Small Things Like These adds yet another layer to Murphy’s impressive career, making it clear that he excels in roles that challenge societal perceptions.
For additional insights and information, visit: NCWI, The Irish Times, History, JFMR, and UCD Research.