Cillian Murphy’s Acclaimed Period Drama Is Leaving Netflix In Days, And Fans Say It’s A Modern-Day Masterpiece
Netflix subscribers have only a few days left to watch a Cillian Murphy film that has earned widespread praise for its powerful performances, unsettling subject matter, and haunting atmosphere. Small Things Like These, the 2024 period drama starring the Peaky Blinders actor, is scheduled to leave the streaming platform on October 27.
The film was added to Netflix earlier this year, but its departure means viewers who have yet to experience the acclaimed drama will need to act quickly. Despite its relatively understated approach, the film has struck a chord with audiences, with some viewers describing it as one of Murphy’s finest performances.
A Christmas Story That Uncovers A Dark Chapter In Irish History
Based on Claire Keegan’s award-winning novella of the same name, Small Things Like These takes place in Ireland in the run-up to Christmas in 1985.
Murphy plays Bill Furlong, a devoted father and coal merchant whose ordinary life takes a troubling turn when he discovers disturbing secrets hidden within a local convent. As he begins to uncover the truth, he is also forced to confront uncomfortable realities of his own.
Keegan’s original novella received considerable literary recognition. It was shortlisted for the Booker Prize and the Rathbones Folio Prize in 2022, while winning the Orwell Prize for political fiction that same year.
The film adaptation arrived in 2024, the same year Murphy won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in Oppenheimer. While the two projects are very different period dramas, Small Things Like These offers a quieter, more intimate showcase of his acting abilities.
Its story draws inspiration from the real history of Ireland’s Magdalene laundries. Run by Roman Catholic institutions from the 1820s until 1996, these institutions were intended to reform women considered to have fallen outside society’s moral expectations. The film explores the consequences of this system through Bill’s discoveries and the difficult questions they raise.
Netflix Viewers Have Until October 27 To Watch
Netflix has now marked Small Things Like These with a notice indicating that it will be leaving soon. October 27 is listed as the final day to watch the film on the platform.
With the deadline approaching, viewers have just over a week from the article’s publication date to see it before it disappears from the service. There has been no confirmation of whether the film will become available on another streaming platform after its Netflix departure.
The film’s challenging themes and measured pacing may not appeal to everyone, but its reception suggests that many viewers have found its approach deeply affecting.
Fans Praise Cillian Murphy’s Understated Performance
Small Things Like These has received strong reviews from critics and audiences alike, with Murphy’s performance frequently highlighted as one of its greatest strengths. The film holds a 94% Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting its positive critical reception.
Audience reactions have been equally enthusiastic, with some viewers praising everything from the cinematography and soundtrack to the casting and direction.
One viewer wrote 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.”
Others have acknowledged that the film’s slower pace and difficult subject matter can make it a challenging watch. However, they have also praised the strength of its storytelling and performances.
One viewer described it as “A hard to swallow, but fantastically acted, written, and directed film putting religion and its mafia laden tendencies at the forefront.” They also praised Murphy’s work alongside what they called an exceptional supporting cast, adding that the story was based on “a true and very sad story.”
Another audience member was particularly impressed by the film’s emotional impact, writing: “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.”
A further viewer explained that reading Keegan’s novella had prompted them to seek out the adaptation after learning Murphy was starring in it.
“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,” they wrote.
While its restrained storytelling may not suit every viewer, the responses highlight why the drama has left such a strong impression on many who have watched it.
For anyone who has been putting it off, the countdown is now on. Small Things Like These is currently streaming on Netflix, with October 27 marking its scheduled final day on the platform.