Netflix is removing Cillian Murphy's "masterpiece" Irish drama very soon

Cillian Murphy's '80s-set "masterpiece" Small Things Like These is being removed from Netflix very soon. So, if it's still sitting on your watchlist, you'd better get a move on.

Based on Claire Keegan's 2021 novel of the same name, the Irish drama centres around coal merchant Bill Furlong, who lives with his wife and five daughters in the town of New Ross. While delivering coal, Bill soon notices the harsh treatment of the girls at the local convent.

After coming to the aid of a pregnant young woman, Bill is given an indirect warning by the nuns, with his wife also insisting he not interfere. He is left torn between societal pressures and his desire to help the vulnerable girls.

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The movie is dedicated to the 56,000 female victims of the Magdalene laundries and was first released in 2024. It will be leaving Netflix in just over a week, making 27 October your last day to watch.

Murphy stars as Bill opposite Eileen Walsh, who plays his wife Eileen. Michelle Fairley (Mrs Wilson), Emily Watson (Sister Mary, the Mother Superior), Clare Dunne (Sister Carmel), Peter Claffey (Barry) and Helen Behan (Mrs Kehoe) also feature.

Small Things Like These currently holds a near-perfect score of 94% on Rotten Tomatoes from 123 reviews. Chicago Sun-Times called it a "quietly powerful masterpiece" and "quite possibly the best movie I've seen so far this year."

"[Murphy's] is a marvel of a performance, extremely expressive and yet deeply inward-looking," said RogerEbert.com, while FilmWeek added: "Beautifully written and rewards you for paying attention."

In Digital Spy's four-star review of Small Things Like These, we wrote: "Murphy plays Bill with a sympathetic weariness that one initially attributes to the tough physicality of his work, but later identifies as his inner mental turmoil."

"While some may find it a touch slow, it's Small Things Like These's subtle, show-not-tell storytelling that delivers the drama's emotional blow. A lot is unspoken... but the abrupt ending offers some – perhaps uncertain – hope for the future," we added.

Small Things Like These is available to watch on Netflix until 27 October.

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Divya is a freelance writer with experience in entertainment and lifestyle news. Described as a "telly addict" since childhood, Divya was able to translate her interests into a BJTC-accredited, Honours degree in Journalism and Media. After working in communications and marketing, Divya joined Digital Spy as a Freelance News Reporter. She has also written for various publications including Metro, Asian World News and TwitCelebGossip; as well as interviews, features and reviews on her own blog. Divya prides herself on her TV, film and showbiz knowledge, always offering (not so) fun facts to her long-suffering friends and family. From soaps to superheroes, Divya is the go-to person for tailored recommendations and up to date information.