Cillian Murphy's 'best performance' in 'mesmerising' film lands on streaming
The highly raved about film is a screen adaptation of Claire Keegan's 2021 novella, which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize and won the Orwell Prize
Amazon Prime has served up a cinematic delight that some are touting as the pinnacle of Cillian Murphy's career.
That's quite the claim, considering the film, Small Things Like These, debuted in 2024 right on the heels of his Oscar-winning turn in Oppenheimer. Now, this acclaimed flick is part of Amazon's extensive streaming library.
Situated in the year 1985, the story centers on coal merchant Bill Furlong (played to perfection by Murphy) as he uncovers dark secrets in a small Irish town under the Roman Catholic Church's influence. The movie adapts Claire Keegan's 2021 novella, which was shortlisted for the 2022 Booker Prize and took home the Orwell Prize for political fiction.
With an impressive 94% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, critics have tipped their hats to Murphy's compelling performance and the movie's understated dramatic intensity, reports the Irish Mirror.
One critic said, "Small Things Like These is beautifully observed and deftly assembled. It is furious without raising its voice, and heartbreaking without ever resorting to melodrama. This film is an absolute gem, and you'll be happy you saw it." Echoing the high praise, another added: "Depressing and claustrophobic, dealing with a traumatic past, this is a shattering story of redemption, a truly magnificent film."
Cinephiles are all abuzz, tossing accolades at Murphy's exceptional portrayal, with a fair number baffled over why the Peaky Blinders lead missed out on an Oscar for his remarkable performances not just once, but two years running. A movie guru excitedly posted online: "Best movie I've seen in a decade or more. Oscar-worthy performance from Cillian Murphy."
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A devoted film buff asserted, "Cillian Murphy's brilliant performance elevates Small Things Like These into Oscar consideration." Joining in, one admirer expressed: "Absolutely a perfect gem of a picture. Excellent acting by Murphy! Yes it does run slow but it follows the character's slow progression to take action on his feelings. Gosh I will watch this again!".
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The buzz about the feature extends to arguments among fans pondering if reading the book before diving into the movie adaptation might paint a clearer picture. One fan speculated that being armed with the narrative of the book could have clarified the plot.
They stated: "Powerful, thought-provoking and mesmerising. Cillian Murphy is perfect in this role, of course! I do wish , however, I had read the book first as I had to unravel quite a bit of the story whilst watching , that isn't explained or obvious. Maybe that was deliberate though."
On the flip side, one person made a case for the film outshining the novel, remarking: "I had read the book but found the film to be much more intense and powerful. I had known the story for many years but found the movie to be much more thought provoking. You didn't need to have the eventuality spelled out on the screen to know and feel what had actually transpired. The simple written message at the end was enough."
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