This is a new series I’m going to start where I share films that inspire inner work (at least in me). First up: Small Things Like These (2024).
Premise: Bill Furlong (played by Cillian Murphy) is a hard-working coal and timber merchant, devoted husband, and father of five daughters. While delivering coal to the local Catholic convent, he uncovers a dark, institutional secret: young women and girls locked away and forced to work in harsh conditions within the town’s Magdalene laundry.
Inner Work Prompts (Inspired By This Film): At what point do we step in to help those in need when what’s happening is none of our business and was uncovered accidentally? What about when it’s actually beneficial to our life to not get involved? What about when it’s harmful to our life and the lives of our family?
Sometimes the art of film inspires inner work in a way that meditative contemplation simply can’t. And the inner work prompts that arise from this film are questions that I think are more relevant than ever to not only think carefully about—but do something about.
If you decide to check out this film, do any of the above prompts, or have a film to share—don’t hesitate to reach out.