Cillian Murphy's 'profound' latest film beats out Oppenheimer's ratings

Cillian Murphy's first movie since Oppenheimer is doing well with critics

Cillian Murphy's Small Things Like These movie has received 94% on Rotten Tomatoes, outshining Oppenheimer.

The historical drama directed by Tim Mielants adapted from a Claire Keegan novel scored one point higherthan Christopher Nolan's historical thriller.

The rating has created much traction for Murphy's latest project and great reviews from cinema critics: "It’s a profound performance by Murphy – perhaps even more so in fewer words than Oppenheimer – as Bill’s anger burns with tragic urgency," Time Out wrote in a review.

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A Screenrant writer pointed out why this Rotten Tomatoes review has been groundbreaking and remarkable for Murphy. Compared to Oppenheimer, Small Things Like These was a small film with a lesser-known cast and director. The movie's plot follows Cillian Murphy as Bill Furlong discovers a massive conspiracy hiding within his local convent; it is based on the actual events of the Magdalene Laundries in Ireland. Small Things Like These has more of an obscure history than the infamous story of J. Robert Oppenheimer.

Screenrant noted that Murphy could use the acclaim and excitement for Small Things Like These to promote the Irish film industry, which he previously said was his personal goal.

Murphy stepped into a producer role for Small Things Like These, producing the film under his new production company, Big Things Films. The Irish actor told Variety that transforming the Irish tale on screen was a "labor of love."

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However, Murphey said credit must be given to his wife since she suggested pitching the novel for the movie. Murphy worked with a team to consider what films to make, and his wife tossed out Keegan's name. "I had read the book, I think, but I didn’t realize the rights were available," Murphy said.

In addition to Big Things Films, Murphy has continued championing Irish storytellers and supporting the arts in Ireland. In his hometown of Cork, he founded an arts and music festival to celebrate Irish creative works and collaborations.