According to Deadline, Peaky Blinders star Cillian Murphy has signed on for the upcoming film adaptation of Small Things Like These, based on Claire Keegan’s acclaimed novel of the same name. The project hails from Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s production company Artists Equity.
Small Things Like These will be directed by Tim Mielants from a screenplay written by Enda Walsh, who worked with the Golden Globe nominee in his first acting project, the Disco Pigs play. Joining Murphy in the drama are Ciarán Hinds and Emily Watson. The story takes place in 1985 during Christmas when a devoted father named Bill Furlong discovers startling secrets about his town’s church.
In addition to starring, Murphy will also be set as a producer along with Alan Moloney for their Big Things Films banner. The film adaptation will be produced by Damon, Drew Vinton, and Jeff Robinov, with Affleck, Kevin Halloran, and Michael Joe executive producing. Production is currently underway in Ireland.
“It is 1985 in a small Irish town. During the weeks leading up to Christmas, Bill Furlong, a coal merchant and family man faces into his busiest season,” reads the book synopsis. “Early one morning, while delivering an order to the local convent, Bill makes a discovery which forces him to confront both his past and the complicit silences of a town controlled by the church. It is a deeply affecting story of hope, quiet heroism, and empathy from one of our most critically lauded and iconic writers.”
