Cillian Murphy's period drama Small Things Like These is set to leave Netflix in a matter of days, with the streamer listing October 27 as the final day to watch. The film, which was added to the platform earlier this year, has been praised by fans and critics alike.
The movie is an adaptation of the award-winning novella of the same name by Claire Keegan. The book was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2022 and the Rathbones Folio Prize, and won the Orwell Prize for political fiction that same year.
Plot and Inspiration
The big-screen version was released in 2024, with Irish actor Murphy in the leading role. It was perhaps overlooked by some, as it was the same year Murphy won an Oscar for a very different period piece — Oppenheimer.
Like the novella, Small Things Like These is set over Christmas in 1985, when devoted father and coal merchant Bill Furlong, played by Murphy, discovers startling secrets kept by the convent in his town, along with some shocking truths of his own.
The plot is inspired by the truth behind Ireland's Magdalene laundries — asylums run by Roman Catholic institutions from the 1820s until 1996, which were supposed to reform "fallen young women."
Critical and Fan Response
Despite the tough subject matter, the film received a positive response from viewers and critics alike, with Murphy often singled out for his stellar acting performance. It holds a 94% fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes, with many fans backing up the reviews.
One person posted online: "A masterpiece. Every shot is a masterpiece. The soundtrack is a masterpiece. Every performance is a masterpiece. The casting is beyond perfect. If possible, it's even better than Claire Keegan's short story."
While some admitted they struggled with the slower pace of the film, many suggested it is a must-watch. One person said: "A hard to swallow, but fantastically acted, written, and directed film putting religion and its mafia laden tendencies at the forefront. Cillian continues to be a star, with a support cast of epic proportions. Based on a true and very sad story."
Another wrote: "Totally absorbing yet disturbing film, brilliantly led by an understated master class of acting by Cillian Murphy. The sudden ending leaves you literally crying out for more. A modern day masterpiece."
Someone else added: "Following a read of the perfectly written book, I had to watch the film when I heard that Cillian Murphy was the star. He and the rest of the cast bring this extraordinary story to lives. Is there nothing he cannot do! Well worth a watch, it's poignant from start to finish."
Leaving Netflix Soon
Netflix now lists a warning label on the title, informing users it will be 'leaving soon'. The streamer states that the last day to watch will be October 27, meaning at the time of writing, viewers have just a little over a week to catch it before it's too late. It is not yet known if it will become available on an alternative platform or service after this date.
