Cillian Murphy’s rise to the top of Hollywood throughout the 21st century is remarkable. From his breakout role inDanny Boyle’s28 Days Laterto becoming one of television’s most famous characters inPeaky Blinders, Murphy had the career of a great packaged tightly into less than 20 years at the end of the last decade. However, one thing still eluded him: A ‘Best Actor’ Oscar.
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‘The Delinquent Season’ (2018)
Rotten Tomatoes: 64% | IMDb: 6.4/10
The Delinquent Season
Written and directed byMark O’Rowe,The Delinquent Seasonfollows two married couples living in seeming suburban bliss with their children. However, cracks begin to appear in both marriages, as trust issues rise to the surface and lies and secrets are exposed. A steamy, gripping drama with plenty of twists and turns,The Delinquent Seasonis an indulgent mystery that neatly ties its many plot threads together. Based on a masterful screenplay from O’Rowe,The Delinquent Seasonis the sort of story that promises to live long in the memory, thanks to a harrowing plot that will refuse to let you go. -Jake Hodges
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‘Red Lights’ (2012)
Rotten Tomatoes: 30% | IMDb: 6.2/10
Red Lights
This star-studded psychological drama follows a well-known skeptic, Dr. Margaret Matheson (Sigourney Weaver), and her assistant, Tom Buckley (Murphy), who travel the country exposing fraudulent paranormal phenomena. However, when an old psychic reappears in the limelight after many years, proving the man wrong becomes a singular obsession of Tom’s. Asking interesting questions about faith versus evidence in the hands of a talented ensemble cast,Red Lightsis an intriguing tale that is sure to keep you gripped. Though not without its flaws, this is a film that is more than worth a viewer’s time, featuring a central story packed with clever turns. -Jake Hodges
‘The Trench’ (1999)
Rotten Tomatoes: 40% | IMDb: 5.9/10
The Trench
Written and directed byWilliam Boyd,The Trenchis a British war film set in June 1916 at the height of the First World War. With an ambitious plan to carry out an offensive on the Somme on the cards, a platoon of British troops wait patiently for the word to proceed, with the time in between giving them a moment to reflect on their lives. Featuring a stacked British cast, including the likes ofDaniel Craig,Danny Dyer,James D’Arcy, and others,The Trenchis a gripping war film that chooses drama over action. Equal parts educational and entertaining, this should be a war film fan’s next watch. -Jake Hodges
‘Breakfast on Pluto’ (2005)
Rotten Tomatoes: 58% | IMDb: 7.2/10
Breakfast on Pluto
Cited by many as one of Murphy’s most underrated films,Breakfast on Plutofollows a young trans woman, Patrick “Kitten” Braden (Murphy), who leaves her small Irish home to head to the bright lights and progressive thoughts of 1970s London. In doing so, Kitten also hopes to find her mother, with this journey one of both self and external discovery. A film ahead of its time in many ways,Breakfast on Plutois equal parts touching and hilarious. From laughing one minute to crying the next, prepare for Murphy to deliver one of his best performances in this coming-of-age tale with a twist. -Jake Hodges
‘Watching the Detectives’ (2007)
Rotten Tomatoes: 54% | IMDb: 6.2/10
Watching the Detectives
Written and directed byPaul Soter,Watching the Detectivesfollows film fanatic Neil (Murphy), who spends his days wishing to live inside the classic Hollywood world of film noir. However, when a real-life femme fatale comes his way, Neil isn’t prepared to have his life changed forever. A fun flick that has a love for film as its backbone,Watching the Detectivessees Murphy and the brilliantLucy Liucombine for a memorable romantic comedy. Quirky and unafraid of being innovative, Soter’s rom-com is anything but derivative, making for an entertaining tale that lets its winning central combo shine. -Jake Hodges
‘Sunburn’ (1999)
Rotten Tomatoes: 68% | IMDb: 6.4/10
One of the earliest performances in Murphy’s career came in this late 20th-century comedy-drama from directorNelson Hume.Sunburnfollows a group of Irish students who find themselves working in Long Island for the summer. By day, the group applies itself studiously, but by night, the party animals are unleashed as they vow to make this summer unforgettable. Not only is this an early performance for Murphy, butSunburnis the actor’s first-ever leading role, with his talent clearly shining through as he steals every scene he’s in. An exciting, vibrant tale with a sensitive coming-of-age backbone,Sunburnis not to be missed. -Jake Hodges
‘The Edge of Love’ (2008)
Rotten Tomatoes: 38% | IMDb: 6.1/10
The Edge of Love
This period drama, penned byKeira Knightley’s mother,Sharman Macdonald, follows two free-spirited women, each romantically entangled with the visionary poet Dylan Thomas (Matthew Rhys). Can they manage to strike a balance between bitter love rivals and sweet friends? Featuring a stunning set of ensemble performances from Rhys, Murphy, and Knightley,The Edge of Loveis a captivating period tale with all the trimmings. Visually gripping and showcasing stellar set design and costuming, this is a period drama lover’s dream. -Jake Hodges
‘Perrier’s Bounty’ (2009)
Rotten Tomatoes: 53% | IMDb: 6.3/10
Perrier’s Bounty
Directed byIan Fitzgibbon, this dark comedy follows Murphy’s Michael, a reckless spender who owes money to a local thug. Forced to pay by nightfall, Michael commits a robbery with two accomplices to find the payment. The catch? He won’t be paid until the morning, leaving a night of hiding in the shadows in wait. A deliciously funny Irish flick with the country’s natural comedic flair,Perrier’s Bountyis as refreshing today as it was 15 years ago. For those looking for something a bit different from Murphy’s back catalog, or simply for those who like the Oscar winner with a beard, look no further thanPerrier’s Bounty. -Jake Hodges
