Small Things Like These

Small Things Like These

Movie • 2024

If you want to get on in life, there’s things you have to ignore so you can keep on.

In 1985, while working as a coal merchant to support his family, Bill Furlong discovers disturbing secrets kept by the local convent and uncovers truths of his own; forcing him to confront his past and the complicit silence of a small Irish town controlled by the Catholic Church.

Drama
99 minutes
Released

Bara says...

Ages 14+, but every child is different

The film deals with heavy, institutional trauma and systemic complicity that requires emotional maturity to process. Its somber pacing and focus on societal injustice are geared toward older teens and adults rather than younger viewers.

Content Safety Breakdown

Detailed breakdown of potentially concerning content

Sex & Nudity

0/5

There is no sexual content or nudity in this film. It focuses entirely on heavy drama and emotional themes.

Violence & Gore

1/5

The film contains very limited physical conflict, with no graphic violence or gore. It relies more on the emotional distress of the characters.

Profanity

2/5

There is infrequent mild language used throughout the film. Examples include 'sh*t' used in frustrated conversation and occasional use of 'b*stard'.

Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking

2/5

Characters are seen engaging in social drinking and smoking, which is consistent with the film's 1980s setting and working-class context. These scenes are used to depict everyday life rather than glorifying substance use.

Frightening Scenes

3/5

The film is psychologically heavy and somber, dealing with themes of institutional corruption and childhood trauma. While there are no traditional scares, the intense emotional weight and atmosphere may be disturbing for younger viewers.

Key Insights

Quick summary and important considerations

This is a serious story about someone who learns that even in a quiet, small town, it is important to stand up for what is right when you see something unfair.

Content Warnings

Institutional abuse
Emotional distress

Detailed Analysis

In-depth insights for parents and educators

What Parents Need to Know

The film explores sensitive, real-world subject matter involving institutional trauma, which may provoke difficult questions about authority and injustice.

What Kids Can Learn

Viewers are encouraged to consider the weight of personal responsibility and the role of the bystander in community life.

Key Topics Discussed

Institutional ethics
Social conformity
Historical accountability

Why Parents Might Like It

The film provides a poignant, character-driven examination of the tension between personal conscience and the pressure to conform within a tight-knit society.

Positives & Learning

What makes this content valuable for children

Positive Messages

4/5

The narrative emphasizes the profound impact of individual courage and the moral necessity of speaking out against institutional wrongdoing, even at great personal cost.

Positive Role Models

4/5

The protagonist demonstrates integrity by prioritizing ethical obligations over social convenience, providing a clear example of moral fortitude in the face of widespread intimidation.

Diverse Representations

1/5

No diverse representation indicated in available information; the narrative is focused on a specific homogeneous cultural and historical context in mid-1980s Ireland.

Educational Value

3/5

Offers historical insight into the social dynamics of 1980s Ireland and the cultural influence of religious institutions on private life.

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