Cillian Murphy's Small Things Like These acquired by Lionsgate

The Cillian Murphy-starring Irish drama Small Things Like These has been picked up by Lionsgate for Ireland, the U.K. and the U.S., according to Variety.

The studio is set to partner with Roadside Attractions for its North American theatre release.

Based on the 2021 Claire Keegan novel of the same name, the feature follows the story of Bill, a coal delivery driver and devoted father in Ireland during the '80s who uncovers disturbing secrets at the local convent.

The motion picture was directed by Tim Mielants director of the BAFTA-winning series Peaky Blinders and debuted in Berlin with solid reviews.

Small Things Like These is also the first feature film produced by Cillian Murphy's independent production company, Big Things Films, which was set up by Murphy and  long-time collaborator and fellow producer Alan Moloney.

Speaking of the Lionsgate collaboration, Murphy said: "Especially since Small Things Like These marks the first project from Big Things Films, I'm particularly pleased Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions will bring it to audiences in Ireland, the U.S. and the U.K.,"

Murphy described the making of the movie as "a labour of love."

"I can't wait to talk about it," he added, saying that he was "enormously grateful" for the support provided by  Matt Damon and Ben Affleck's Artists Equity, who financed the film.

"When Cillian and Alan Moloney brought this project to us, we instantly said we wanted to help bring it to life," the pair said. "We couldn't be prouder of that decision. This is simply a wonderful film, one that we think really does justice to Claire Keegan's astounding, poignant novella."

An Irish/Belgian co-production, additional funding came from Screen Ireland, with the project being co-produced in Belgium by Wilder Films.

In a statement, the chair of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, Adam Fogelson, said:

"We are incredibly proud to bring this film to audiences. Claire Keegan's book is a captivating, heart-wrenching…Cillian is at the peak of his powers, both as an actor and a producer, and it's exciting to work with Matt and Ben to distribute a film they have shepherded so lovingly. It's especially meaningful for us to be distributing in Ireland, where we are confident audiences will embrace the film."

Lionsgate is yet to announce a theatrical release date for Small Things Like These.