Cillian Murphy did not initially read Claire Keegan’s Small Things Like These with the intention of adapting it for film. The Irish actor was simply a fan of Keegan’s writing. The Booker Prize-nominated novella is a historical fiction piece set in 1985, touching on the trauma surrounding Ireland’s infamous Magdalene laundries. Its exploration of guilt, shame, and societal complicity left a strong impression on Murphy.
Murphy, who had been considering launching his own production company, found that the film rights to the story were miraculously available. He and his producing partner, Alan Moloney, named their company Big Things Films, a playful nod to the film’s title. Murphy joked, “If we called it Small Things Films, it would show a real lack of ambition.”
The film adaptation of Small Things Like These was shot after Murphy’s work on Oppenheimer but before he won the Best Actor Oscar for his role in the biopic about J. Robert Oppenheimer. Murphy’s new production company already has another film in post-production, an adaptation of Max Porter’s Shy. Additionally, Murphy is currently filming the Peaky Blinders movie, reprising his iconic role from the popular TV series.
In an interview, Murphy explained his interest in adapting Keegan’s book, calling it “a simple yet incredibly complex story that addresses themes like secrecy, fear, and guilt.” He was particularly drawn to the male protagonist, a character shaped by his own childhood trauma and repressed emotions, which begin to surface as he faces his mortality in middle age. Murphy aimed to portray the character as a man on the verge of a breakdown, rather than a traditional hero.
The film features many familiar collaborators, including director Tim Mielants (Peaky Blinders), playwright Enda Walsh, and actor Eileen Walsh. “I’m a serial re-collaborator,” Murphy admitted. “I believe the best work comes from trust and friendship.”
Matt Damon’s involvement as a producer through Artists Equity came about during a chance conversation on the set of Oppenheimer. Murphy’s partner was working with Damon on a U2 documentary, and Murphy seized the opportunity to pitch the script. Damon, impressed by the story, immediately agreed to join the project.
While Murphy acknowledges that his Oscar win may have boosted interest from US distributors, he finds the recognition humbling. “If it allows us to tell stories with a strong point of view, then I’ll gladly take it,” he said.
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