Prathyush Parasuraman
Clare Keegan's novel "Small Things Like These," shortlisted for the Booker Prize, is a sparse yet intense portrayal of Irish life. Despite its brevity, the narrative delves into the complexities of personal spaces and societal issues.
Set in a fictional Irish town, the story sheds light on the grim reality of the Magdalene Laundries, highlighting the historical oppression faced by unwed Irish women and their children under the Catholic Church and the Irish state.
Bill Furlong, portrayed by Cillian Murphy, encounters the harsh realities of the Magdalene Laundries when he witnesses a woman being forced into a convent. His subsequent interactions with the haunting Mother Superior propel him into a moral dilemma.
Adapting Keegan's concise prose into a visual medium poses challenges, particularly in capturing the internal struggles of the characters. Cillian Murphy's performance, while visually captivating, struggles to convey the depth of emotions present in the text.
The cinematography of the film, characterized by stunning visuals, fails to fully develop the characters. Despite Murphy's compelling presence, the portrayal lacks the depth and complexity necessary to do justice to Keegan's narrative.
While Keegan's prose effectively evokes horror through subtle nuances, the film adaptation falls short in translating this depth. The portrayal of horror feels superficial, resulting in a tepid and unsatisfying cinematic experience.