Netflix will remove the period drama Small Things Like These, starring Cillian Murphy, on 27 October, giving subscribers just over a week to watch it before it disappears from the platform.
The film, which was added to Netflix earlier this year, is an adaptation of the acclaimed novel of the same name by Claire Keegan. The book received a Booker Prize nomination in 2022 alongside the Rathbones Folio Prize, and secured the Orwell Prize for political fiction that same year.
Plot and Historical Inspiration
The story unfolds during Christmas in 1985, when coal merchant Bill Furlong, played by Murphy, uncovers disturbing secrets concealed by the convent in his town, alongside devastating revelations about his own past. The narrative draws inspiration from Ireland's Magdalene laundries, institutions operated by Roman Catholic organisations from the 1820s through to 1996, which purported to rehabilitate "fallen young women."
The cinematic adaptation arrived in 2024, with Murphy taking the lead role. The release was somewhat overshadowed, as it came in the same year the actor claimed his Oscar for a markedly different period drama, Oppenheimer.
Critical Reception and Viewer Reactions
Despite the challenging subject matter, the production garnered favourable reactions from audiences and critics alike, with Murphy frequently highlighted for his acting work. It maintains a 94% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
One viewer shared 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."
Another viewer commented: "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."
Audience Praise and Final Viewing Date
A fourth viewer 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." Another remarked: "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."
Netflix has added a warning notice to the title alerting subscribers it will be "leaving soon," confirming the final viewing date as 27 October. Whether the film will transfer to another platform or service following this date remains unclear.
