Cillian Murphy’s recent film, “Steve,” has generated significant buzz, not only for his performance but also for the raw and compelling nature of the story. The film features Murphy as Steve, the headmaster of a boys’ reform school who is struggling to maintain control amid personal and professional pressures. As audiences watch his character unravel, many are wondering if the events are pulled from a real-life account.
Contrary to the idea that the film is a direct biography, “Steve” is a drama based on the 2023 novella titled Shy by author Max Porter. This means that while the story itself is a work of fiction, it draws inspiration from and speaks to real issues and themes, particularly those concerning the struggles within the education system.
The Fictional Character of Steve
Cillian Murphy’s character is not based on a single real person. Instead, Steve is a creation of the author, Max Porter, who also wrote the screenplay. Porter’s novella is a deeply psychological look at a man on the edge, and the film brings this narrative to life through Murphy’s acting. The story is set in 1996, and it explores the immense toll that the job of a headmaster at a school for troubled boys takes on a person’s body and mind.
The film’s focus is on the human element of the story, showing how societal and systemic problems can break a person. This focus on character and emotion is what makes the film feel so grounded and relatable, even though the events are fictional. The setting of the story in the 1990s allows the film to reflect on current issues without being a direct commentary.
Cillian Murphy’s Personal Connection to the Role
While the character of Steve is not real, Cillian Murphy has spoken about his own personal connection to the role. Both of his parents were teachers, and his grandfather also worked in education. This background gave him a unique perspective on the challenges and dedication that the profession demands.
At the film’s premiere, Murphy said that the film is about the “custodians of the next generation” and praised teachers for “holding our society together.” This sentiment shows that while the story is fictional, it resonates with the real experiences of educators and the immense responsibility they carry.
In an interview with a publication, Murphy talked about his deep connection to the source material:
“It just broke my heart. They’re the sorts of things I love as a reader and as a performer.”
The Film’s Production and Release
The movie “Steve” was directed by Tim Mielants and produced by Cillian Murphy’s own production company, Big Things Films, which he launched with his collaborator Alan Moloney. The project was officially announced for Netflix in February 2024.
The film had a theatrical release in the United Kingdom on September 19, 2025, and is set to become available on Netflix UK from October 3, 2025.
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