As I settled in to watch Small Things Like These, I was ready to be enveloped in a poignant narrative set against the backdrop of 1980s Ireland. The film’s premise, delving into the deeply troubling history of the Magdalene Laundries, along with a stellar cast led by the immensely talented Cillian Murphy, had me eager for an emotionally resonant experience.
I began to wonder if I had inadvertently selected a dull guilty pleasure disguised as a serious exploration of societal themes as the film moved from one sleazy party scene to the next. What unfolded was, unfortunately, a mediocre experience filled with endless sexual encounters that overshadowed any glimmer of genuine storytelling.
Animal Factory, directed by Steve Buscemi and released in 2000, tries to present itself as a gritty exploration of life behind bars. Featuring actors like Edward Furlong, Willem Dafoe, and Danny Trejo, this film aims to delve into the harsh realities of incarceration.