The trailer for Steve, starring Cillian Murphy, has been released by Netflix. The film shows Murphy as a stressed headteacher at a reform school for troubled boys. The story is set in the mid-1990s and is based on Max Porter’s bestselling novel Shy.
Murphy’s character, Steve, fights to keep the school open while dealing with his own mental health struggles. The film also follows Shy, a troubled teen played by Jay Lycurgo, who struggles with his violent impulses. The movie is directed by Tim Mielants and will be in theaters on September 19 before streaming on Netflix from October 3.
Cillian Murphy’s Challenging Role
Murphy, who recently won an Oscar for Oppenheimer, takes on another intense role in Steve. He plays a headteacher who is exhausted but deeply committed to his students. In the trailer, Steve describes himself as “very, very tired”, showing the pressure he faces daily.
The actor has said this role was one of the most difficult he has ever done.
“It was one of the most exposing and terrifying characters I’ve ever played,” Murphy told Deadline. “There’s elements that I feel like there was no acting needed.”
Murphy comes from a family of teachers, which helped him understand the role better.
“Both my parents are teachers, so I grew up in a household where I saw the after-effects of standing in front of 35 teenagers all day,” he said.
The Story of Steve and Shy
The film follows a single day in Steve’s life as he tries to save his school from closing. At the same time, it explores the life of Shy, a student dealing with anger and self-destructive behavior. The story shows how both characters struggle with their inner demons.
The official synopsis describes it as:
“A pivotal day in the life of headteacher Steve and his students at a last-chance reform school. As Steve fights to protect the school’s integrity, he also battles his own mental health. Meanwhile, Shy, a troubled teen, tries to overcome his violent impulses.”
The film is a drama with strong emotional moments, focusing on themes of redemption, struggle, and hope.
Cast and Crew
Apart from Murphy and Lycurgo, the film features:
- Tracey Ullman (Mrs. America)
- Emily Watson (Breaking the Waves)
- Simbi Ajikawo (Top Boy)
The movie is directed by Tim Mielants, who previously worked with Murphy on Small Things Like These and Peaky Blinders. The script is written by Max Porter, who also wrote the novel Shy. The music is composed by Ben Salisbury and Geoff Barrow, known for their work on Ex Machina.
Release Details
- Theatrical Release: September 19, 2025 (select theaters)
- Netflix Release: October 3, 2025 (global streaming)
- Film Festival Premiere: Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 5, 2025
The trailer has already gained attention for its emotional depth and strong performances. Fans of Murphy and drama films are eagerly waiting for its release.
Also Read: Cillian Murphy Returns to 28 Days Later Franchise in Upcoming Sequel The Bone Temple; See Details
Credits: Netflix Tudum
