What Is Small Things Like These About?
The premise of Small Things Like These in 313 words, with nothing given away. The full story and the ending follow below.
In the crisp winter of 1985, a modest Irish town drifts toward Christmas, its streets lit by low‑hanging lanterns and the soft murmur of festive preparations. At the heart of this close‑knit community is a coal merchant who hauls the town’s firewood through snow‑slick lanes, his daily rhythm a quiet backbone to the season’s warmth. Bill Furlong is a man of steady hands and a reputation for fairness, juggling the challenges of providing for a bustling household of five daughters and a wife who holds his world together.
The town’s cobblestone alleys and the hum of the local pub paint a picture of ordinary life, yet beneath the convivial surface lies a lingering hush about certain institutions. Bill’s own history, marked by a childhood spent under the watchful eye of a solitary mother and the demanding presence of a landowner, colors his perception of duty and compassion. These memories linger like the ash in his hearth, reminding him that every family carries secrets that the wider community prefers to ignore.
One chilly morning, while delivering coal to the town’s convent, Bill encounters a scene that unsettles the familiar cadence of his work. The convent, cloaked in stone and reverence, is overseen by the austere Sister Mary, whose calm authority hints at a deeper, unspoken power within the village. The discovery inside the coal shed raises questions that clash with the town’s tradition of quiet acquiescence, and the festive season’s glow feels suddenly dimmer against the weight of what has been revealed.
As the holidays approach, Bill finds himself at a crossroads, balancing the responsibilities of a father and husband with a growing awareness of the larger moral landscape around him. The film’s tone weaves together the gentle melancholy of an Irish winter, the subtle tension of unspoken histories, and the flickering hope that compassion can illuminate even the darkest corners of a community.
What Happens in Small Things Like These?
The complete story of Small Things Like These, from the first scene to the last, in 578 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 3 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
As the festive season of Christmas 1985 draws near, we are introduced to Bill Furlong, a coal merchant from the quaint Irish town of New Ross, known not only for his hard work but also for his reputation as a fair man. Bill, played by Cillian Murphy, is a devoted father to five daughters, navigating the challenges of parenthood with resilience. Through poignant flashbacks, we journey into Bill’s difficult past, where he recalls his upbringing as the son of a young single mother, who found herself alienated from her family, yet was allowed to work for the affluent and independent landowner, Mrs. Wilson.
One restless night, unable to find solace in sleep, Bill heads out on his delivery route earlier than usual. It is during this fateful night that he stumbles upon a shocking sight—inside the coal shed of the local convent, he discovers a teenage girl named Sarah, who is locked away and exposed to the harsh, freezing temperatures. Revealing that she is just five months away from giving birth, Sarah’s situation ignites Bill’s protective instincts. In a bid to help, he takes her to the convent, where the nuns feign benevolence, pretending to care for her welfare.
In the cozy yet unsettling office of Sister Mary, portrayed by Emily Watson, the convent’s Mother Superior, Sarah feels an undeniable pressure to fabricate a story. She claims, under duress, that other girls had locked her in while they were playing hide-and-seek. After Sarah is escorted away, Sister Mary ominously interrogates Bill about his family’s involvement with the convent, hinting with menacing undertones that his daughters might face repercussions at the school if he dares to speak of what he has seen. With calculated coldness, Sister Mary gifts Bill a cash-filled Christmas card intended for his wife, Eileen, which adds a layer of anxiety to his already troubled heart.
Returning home, Bill faces Eileen, played by Eileen Walsh, who is puzzled by his failure to mention the card. When she eventually receives the sealed envelope, her surprise intensifies when she uncovers the cash, prompting her to question Bill’s earlier intentions, to which he evasively replies that it slipped his mind.
As tensions mount, Bill finds himself in conversation with Mrs. Kehoe, the local pub owner, who warns him to remain silent about the convent’s affairs, stressing that the nuns wield significant power in their community. The following evening, while out shopping for a Christmas gift for Eileen, Bill encounters a cherished item from his childhood, stirring emotions he thought were long buried. This encounter propels him back to the convent, where he once again opens the door to the coal shed, finding Sarah in a state of despair.
Through unwavering courage, Bill gradually earns Sarah’s trust, coaxing her out of fear as he leads her away from the confines of the convent. Defying the stares of neighbors and acquaintances, he carries the ailing girl back to his home, an act of bravery that signifies a turning point in both their lives. After assuring her safety, Bill washes his hands and invites Sarah into the warmth of his family hearth, finally allowing a smile to bloom on his face, signaling that she is now safe from harm.
As the film draws to a close, it leaves a poignant message that resonates deeply with its audience, serving as a heartfelt dedication to the countless women who endured suffering in the Magdalene Laundries, an institutional scourge that persisted from 1922 to 1998.
Small Things Like These Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
12 key events in the order they happen, from “Bill Furlong's upbringing” to “Acknowledgment of the past”. 10 events name a place, across 8 locations.
- 1
Bill Furlong's upbringing
As Christmas 1985 approaches, we are introduced to Bill Furlong, a coal merchant in the Irish town of New Ross. Flashbacks reveal his difficult childhood as the son of a young single mother who faced ostracism from her family.
When:1985 Where:New Ross, Ireland
- 2
Discovery of Sarah
One sleepless night, Bill decides to start his deliveries earlier than usual. During his routine, he stumbles upon a teenage girl named Sarah locked in the coal shed of the local convent, revealing her dire situation as she reveals that she will give birth in five months.
Where:Coal shed, local convent
- 3
Taking Sarah to the convent
Bill takes Sarah to the convent for care, but the nuns appear more focused on maintaining appearances than providing genuine help. They lead Bill and Sarah to Sister Mary, the convent's Mother Superior, where they hide the truth about Sarah's condition.
When:1985 Where:Convent, New Ross
- 4
Sister Mary's manipulation
In a tense conversation, Sister Mary ominously questions Bill about his family connections to the convent. She implies that raising concerns about the situation may jeopardize his younger daughters' attendance at the school, showcasing the nuns' control over the community.
Where:Convent office
- 5
The 'gift' of cash
Sister Mary presents Bill with a Christmas card that contains cash, which she insists is a gift for his wife, Eileen. This gesture only adds to Bill's inner turmoil as he grapples with the implications of the convent's actions.
- 6
Eileen learns about the card
Later, Bill's wife, Eileen, questions why he didn't immediately give her the card, as she had learned about it from Sister Mary. Bill's evasive response, claiming he forgot, deepens the tension between them, highlighting his guilt and conflict.
Where:Home, New Ross
- 7
Advice from Mrs. Kehoe
During a visit to the local pub, Bill speaks with Mrs. Kehoe, the owner, who advises him to stay silent about the convent's operations. She cautions him that the nuns have a pervasive influence over the townsfolk, suggesting the danger of speaking out.
Where:Local pub
- 8
Bill's Christmas shopping
One evening, while attempting to buy a Christmas present for Eileen, Bill encounters a gift he longed for as a child. The moment serves as a poignant reminder of his own unhappiness and the lost innocence he witnessed during his childhood.
Where:Store, New Ross
- 9
Rescuing Sarah
Moved by his concern, Bill returns to the convent and opens the coal shed to find Sarah once more. He gradually encourages her to leave the shed, overcoming her fear and demonstrating his commitment to her safety and wellbeing.
Where:Coal shed, local convent
- 10
Bringing Sarah home
With a determined heart, Bill carries Sarah past familiar faces in town, openly displaying his intention to protect her. Arriving home, he washes his hands and admits her into the warmth of his family hearth, smiling to reassure her she is safe.
Where:Bill's home
- 11
A new beginning for Sarah
The warmth of Bill's family contrasts sharply with Sarah's previous treatment, showcasing a brief moment of hope and companionship. It signifies a critical turning point in Sarah's life, as she is finally offered kindness and protection.
Where:Bill's home
- 12
Acknowledgment of the past
As the film concludes, it pays tribute to the victims of the Magdalene Laundries, a stark reminder of the institutional abuses faced by women. This dedication encapsulates the film's exploration of compassion, secrecy, and societal complicity.
Who Are the Main Characters in Small Things Like These?
4 characters, among them Bill Furlong (Cillian Murphy), Sr. Mary (Emily Watson) and Eileen Furlong (Eileen Walsh): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Bill Furlong (Cillian Murphy)
Played by Cillian Murphy
Bill Furlong is a compassionate coal merchant and a devoted father to five daughters. Known for his strong work ethic and fairness, he grapples with his conscience when confronted with the plight of a young girl. His deep sense of responsibility and moral integrity ultimately drive him to challenge societal norms.
- 👨👧👧 Fatherhood
- 💼 Merchant
- ⚖️ Conscience
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Sr. Mary (Emily Watson)
Played by Emily Watson
Sister Mary, the Mother Superior of the convent, epitomizes the conflicting roles of authority and compassion. While she presents a facade of care, her underlying threats reveal a complex character driven by the institution she represents. Her actions illustrate the dark side of power dynamics within religious settings.
- ⛪ Authority
- 🕊️ Compassion
- 🔒 Control
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Eileen Furlong (Eileen Walsh)
Played by Eileen Walsh
Eileen Furlong is the supportive wife of Bill, embodying warmth and understanding. Her love for her family is evident, and she navigates her husband's troubled conscience with grace. Eileen’s interactions reflect the emotional toll of the secrets harbored within her household.
- ❤️ Supportive
- 👩👧 Mother
- 💬 Communicator
- S(
Sarah (Agnes O'Casey)
Played by Agnes O'Casey
Sarah is a teenage girl facing an unimaginable situation, trapped within the convent's walls. Her vulnerability and strength are central to the narrative, as her character highlights the plight of women exploited by societal systems. Sarah's journey reflects hope and resilience amidst despair.
- 👧 Vulnerability
- 💪 Resilience
- ✊ Strength
Where and When Is Small Things Like These Set?
Small Things Like These is set in New Ross (1985). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1985
The year 1985 was marked by significant cultural and political changes in Ireland, reflecting a society grappling with tradition and modernity. Social issues, particularly related to women's rights and the treatment of vulnerable populations, were beginning to gain visibility. This period serves as a backdrop for the film's exploration of personal and systemic conflicts.
Where
New Ross
New Ross is a historic town in Ireland, known for its rich maritime history and its picturesque surroundings. The local convent serves as a central location in the film, symbolizing both refuge and entrapment. The coal shed at the convent is a poignant reminder of the hidden struggles faced by women in the community.
- 🌆 Town
- 🏰 Convent
What Are the Themes of Small Things Like These?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Justice, Motherhood and Christmas.
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01
Justice
The theme of justice is central to the film, highlighting the moral dilemmas faced by the protagonist, Bill. His journey reflects a struggle against societal norms and the protection of the innocent. The narrative underscores the importance of speaking out against injustice, even when it poses personal risks.
-
02
Motherhood
Motherhood is poignantly depicted through the experiences of both Sarah and Bill. The film explores the sacrifices and challenges faced by mothers, particularly those in distressing circumstances. The maternal bonds and their complexities evoke empathy and highlight the need for support and understanding in society.
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03
Christmas
Set against the backdrop of Christmas, the film juxtaposes the festive spirit with themes of hardship and moral conflict. The season signifies hope and renewal, yet it also serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by those marginalized by society. Christmas acts as a catalyst for reflection and action for Bill.
How Does Small Things Like These End?
The last act of Small Things Like These and what it means, in 279 words. The ending lands as happy. Big spoilers: read the plot summary first if you have not seen it.
The final act, in full
In the ending of Small Things Like These, Bill Furlong makes a quiet but powerful choice. After witnessing the mistreatment of Sarah, a young woman at the convent who has been abandoned and is suffering due to the brutal conditions there, Bill’s internal struggle reaches a breaking point. Though he initially hesitates, influenced by the church’s authority and fear of repercussions, he is haunted by his childhood memories and the pain he witnessed in his own mother’s life. These reflections remind him of the harsh realities faced by women like Sarah, and they ignite a moral resolve within him.
In a decisive act of kindness and justice, Bill chooses to intervene. He secretly helps Sarah escape from the convent and brings her to his home, where she can find safety and compassion. This act of defiance is particularly meaningful because it comes despite the risk of retribution from the powerful church authorities and the social condemnation that could follow. Bill’s decision symbolizes a quiet rebellion against injustice and an acknowledgment of the small yet significant things—like helping a woman in need—that can inspire true change. It reflects his journey from a reserved man haunted by his past to someone willing to stand up for what’s right, despite the dangers.
By saving Sarah, Bill essentially rewrites her fate and finally addresses the pain he couldn’t alleviate in his own childhood, bringing a small but impactful act of humanity into a world marred by cruelty and silence. The film closes with a subtle yet hopeful note, illustrating that even the smallest acts of kindness can carry profound moral weight, hinting at the possibility of healing and change in a broken society.
What Kind of Film Is Small Things Like These?
Melancholic in tone, with slow pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Melancholic
- Pacing
- Slow
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A quietly tense and somber historical drama that follows one man's moral awakening in the face of community-sanctioned cruelty, building slowly towards a courageous act of defiance.
- somber
- tense
- quiet
- gritty
- reflective
- unsettling
- social injustice
- moral courage
- catholic church
- family devotion
Content notes: institutional abuse, confinement, psychological manipulation, child endangerment.
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