Tim Mielants, known for his work on the British crime series Peaky Blinders, has taken on a new challenge with his latest film, Small Things Like These. The movie, which opens the 74th Berlin International Film Festival, stars Cillian Murphy as a traumatized man struggling to navigate the complexities of grief and morality in Ireland.
Mielants, a self-described “weird guy from Belgium,” may seem an unlikely choice to direct a film steeped in Irish culture and history. However, his collaboration with Murphy on Peaky Blinders laid the foundation for their reunion on this deeply personal project.
Small Things Like These delves into themes of grief and complicity, drawing parallels to Peter Mullan’s The Magdalene Sisters, which exposed the harsh realities faced by women in Magdalene Laundries. However, Mielants’ film shifts the focus to the broader community, exploring how silence and inaction can perpetuate abuse.
The project, produced by Murphy’s Big Things Films, Mielants’ Wilder Films, and Matt Damon and Ben Affleck’s Artists Equity, is a testament to the power of storytelling. FilmNation Entertainment is handling international sales, marking a significant milestone for Mielants and his team.
READ MORE: Travis Knight to Direct ‘Masters of the Universe’ Movie: All You Need to Know
In a recent interview, Mielants reflected on the personal significance of Small Things Like These. He shared that the film’s exploration of grief resonated deeply with him, stemming from his own experiences of loss. This theme, he believes, is the driving force behind the story, adding layers of authenticity and emotional depth to the narrative.
Mielants also discussed the importance of portraying nuanced masculinity on screen. He expressed his interest in vulnerable male characters, citing his admiration for Murphy’s portrayal of Thomas Shelby in Peaky Blinders. While the film was not intended as a feminist statement, Mielants acknowledged the significance of challenging traditional notions of masculinity in cinema.
In conclusion, Small Things Like These is a testament to Tim Mielants’ storytelling prowess and his ability to craft narratives that resonate on a deeply personal level. With Cillian Murphy’s compelling performance at its core, the film promises to be a poignant exploration of grief, morality, and the complexities of human nature.