Small Things Like These

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.