Small Things Like These
7.1
In the heart of a small Irish town, Bill Furlong, a coal merchant, finds himself navigating the complexities of family, work, and a deeply religious community. His life, though filled with the responsibilities of providing for his loved ones, is about to be upended when he stumbles upon dark and unsettling secrets hidden within the walls of the local convent. What begins as an ordinary day at work transforms into a journey of self-discovery and confrontation with both his own past and the deeply ingrained silence that pervades the town, particularly regarding the powerful influence of the Catholic Church.
Set against the backdrop of rural Ireland, the story explores the themes of morality, guilt, and the consequences of turning a blind eye to wrongdoing. Furlong, a man who has always prided himself on his hard work and dedication to his family, is forced to reckon with the implications of the secrets he uncovers. The small town he calls home is governed not just by local politics and traditions, but by the overwhelming authority of the Catholic Church, which holds sway over every aspect of life, from social interactions to personal beliefs.
The convent, an institution that Furlong has always viewed as a place of piety and refuge, becomes the center of his growing unease. As he delivers coal to the convent’s gates, he notices strange occurrences and subtle signs of something amiss. His curiosity leads him to dig deeper, and what he discovers shakes him to his core. The revelations not only challenge the town’s reverence for the Church but also force Furlong to confront painful truths about his own past, which he has long kept buried.
The central conflict of the story is not just about the secrets of the convent, but about the culture of complicity that allows such atrocities to persist. In a town where everyone knows everyone else’s business, silence is the currency that enables the powerful to maintain control. Furlong’s realization that he is part of a system that tolerates the suffering of the innocent forces him to reconsider his own role in perpetuating that silence. The weight of guilt and moral responsibility presses on him as he faces the difficult decision of whether to speak out and risk everything he has known or to remain silent and complicit.
As the story unfolds, the reader is drawn into the emotional and psychological turmoil Furlong experiences. The tension between personal loyalty and the need for justice creates a powerful narrative that captures the essence of small-town life, where the bonds of community and the oppressive authority of the Church intersect in complicated and often painful ways. Furlong’s journey is a poignant exploration of the costs of inaction and the price of truth in a society where challenging the status quo can lead to isolation, ostracism, and even personal sacrifice.
Ultimately, this tale of discovery and confrontation is a reflection on the broader themes of power, secrecy, and accountability. Bill Furlong’s journey is not just about uncovering the secrets of the convent, but also about understanding his place in a town that has been shaped by silence and denial. The choices he makes will not only impact his own future but will also have far-reaching consequences for the entire community, as the truth comes to light and the power of the Church is finally questioned.
Director: Áine Máire Ní Tháibhís, Daire Glynn, Tanya Rosen, Tim Mielants
Cast: Abby Fitz, Agnes O'Casey, Aidan O'Hare, Amy De Bhrún, Aoife Gaffney, Cillian Murphy, Cillian O'Gairbhi, Clare Dunne, Clare Monnelly, Eileen Walsh, Ella Cannon, Emily Watson
