by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
For centuries, the Catholic Church has been one of society’s most powerful forces. It has shaped many modern cultures across the world (especially Europe). The Irish people have had Catholicism deeply embedded in their lives for centuries, with it even causing plenty of unrest with the Protestant people of Ireland as well. The Church can also be a notable and sometimes unsavory influence in small communities, as portrayed in the Irish drama Small Things Like These.
How does director Tim Mielants pull the audience into this haunting drama? At just 98 minutes, this film is engrossing in every moment, from the camera’s movements to the characters’ actions. Cinematographer Frank van den Eeden frames the camera precisely for his impactful shots’ maximum effects. The way the camera lingers on Cillian Murphy’s Bill as he stands in a dark doorway looking about the mysterious actions of the local nuns is quite evocative. There is something haunting in the way this film captures this coal mining town in 1985. Its gray atmosphere is both visually striking and haunting at the same time. The darkness in the work of the local convent portrayed in the film matches perfectly with the visuals to create the tone.
But the performances are surely the anchors holding Mielants’ drama in place. Murphy delivers a quiet and intense turn. There are many moments where Murphy has to sell a wide range emotion from just his silence. He holds a worry behind his façade as he embodies his life as a father so well. Murphy’s approach to connecting with others is moving and poignant. He has great chemistry Eileen Walsh, making for some great moments between Bill and his wife.
The most impactful supporting turn, though, comes from Emily Watson, the authority of this convent. She is not in the film a lot, but her presence lasts. She is mysterious and intense. There is a fear that emanates from the women around her as she embodies the power of her character. The flashbacks to Bill’s upbringing can be a bit distracting, but they add layers his character, and more importantly, offer up some strong performances including Game of Thrones alumna Michelle Fairley.
Mielants approach the story and themes of Small Things Like These in an obvious and direct way. The pace is methodical, and the narrative unravels in a methodical and straightforward way. There is a subtlety to the storytelling itself, but things become so obvious that it can be a tad alienating. Don’t misunderstand; the film still delivers an inspiring story with rich themes.
Bill’s altruistic nature is clear from his first scene, where he helps out a young man out who is worse off than Bill and his family. This goes in stark contrast to the clearly cold and heartless characterizations of the members of the convent. You know what the Church is doing is wrong. Mielants makes that quite clear. Even if it is obvious, it still delivers impactfully.
Small Things Like These’s engrossing visual presentation is visceral and impactful. The themes are clear as day, but still delivered in a stark way reflective of this mining town. Ultimately, it’s the performers who make the film work as well as it does — Murphy has another impressive performance under his belt.
Rating: Liked It
Small Things Like These is currently playing in theaters
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