The quiet ‘Small Things Like These’ is thematically earth-shaking, says Cillian Murphy

“The glue is trust and that’s the thing that holds it all together. We know how to bring out the best in each other,” Cillian Murphy says of working with the same people over time, as with “Small Things Like These.” Cillian Murphy describes himself as a “serial collaborator.” It’s what drew the Irish actor to join Christopher Nolan on “Oppenheimer,” their sixth time working together, and it’s why he teamed up with screenwriter Enda Walsh and director Tim Mielants on “Small Things Like These.” The film, an adaptation of Claire Keegan’s 2021 novel, reflects Murphy’s desire to work hand-in-hand with people he trusts. “You get the richest work from that,” says Murphy, who kicked off his career onstage in Walsh’s play “Disco Pigs” in 1996. Murphy was so compelled by the story that he pitched it to Matt Damon on the set of “Oppenheimer,” leading to Damon’s production company, Artists Equity, coming on board. And it’s a testament to the kind of man he is that this is where he chooses to shine his light.” Murphy, who recently collaborated with Mielants again on the mental health-themed “Steve” as producer and star, sees “Small Things Like These” as what he calls a “gentle provocation.” “The beauty of the story is that it really begins at the end of the movie when it goes to black and there’s that dedication,” Murphy says.