In one month, Cillian Murphy will take on the role of Steve in the Netflix drama “Steve,” which premieres at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) as part of the Platform Prize section. The new trailer for the film has just been released, offering viewers a glimpse into a day in the challenging life of the headteacher Steve, who struggles with personal battles while fiercely advocating for the students in his last-chance reform school.
Following his recent Best Actor win for playing Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolan’s 2023 hit, Murphy’s role as Steve marks a departure into a deeply emotional and intense character. The story centers on a school for boys facing behavioral and social challenges, threatened by imminent closure, with Steve trying to save the institution and provide hope to neglected youth while coping with his mental health issues.
The Story Behind ‘Steve’ and Its Themes of Struggle and Support
“Steve” is adapted from Max Porter’s Sunday Times bestselling novella titled “Shy,” which presents a darkly complex view of the school and its inhabitants. Set in the 1990s, the narrative unfolds on a critical day when the school’s future is uncertain, highlighting the intense pressure on Steve, the headteacher, who is doing everything possible to keep the school running.
The drama explores difficult themes through two main characters: Steve and one of his students, Shy, played by Jay Lycurgo. Shy struggles to reconcile his inner vulnerability with his dangerous tendencies, making the school’s survival vital for his chance at a better future. The film combines tension, emotional depth, and moments of dark humor to reflect the harsh realities both characters face.
Collaboration and Cast Highlights in ‘Steve’
Cillian Murphy reunites with director Tim Mielants, known for their previous work on “Small Things Like These” (2022). Max Porter, the author of the original novella, also wrote the screenplay and serves as an executive producer alongside Murphy, Alan Moloney, and Tina Pawlik. Supporting cast members include Emily Watson, also from “Small Things Like These,” Simbi Ajikawo (widely recognized as Little Simz), and the celebrated Tracey Ullman in a rare serious role.
Murphy’s Personal Connection to the Role of Steve
Though based on the same source material, the film “Steve” shifts perspective from Shy’s inner turmoil to the headteacher’s experiences. In a recent interview with Deadline, Murphy and collaborators discussed the real-life inspiration behind the story. Max Porter shared that the film’s concept originates from teachers’ accounts working with troubled youth, aiming to give voice to educators’ struggles.
Murphy revealed his own familial background influenced his portrayal of Steve, drawing from the experiences of his parents and grandfather, who were all involved in education. This personal insight helped him capture the anxiety and weight of responsibility inherent to the role.
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 long while my mother was trying to raise four of her own, and they were both out at work. My grandfather is a headmaster. All my aunts and uncles are teachers. So I know that inside-out of that world. This is a more extreme world, clearly, because you’re dealing with these very volatile and unpredictable and damaged kids. But having said that, I kind of knew it, but I couldn’t have done it without knowing the people like the way I know these guys so well and trust them so much, because there was really no acting involved. It was kind of like reacting or existing or being and being available and being porous and being just completely without filter or anything like that. And it was f—ing scary in a great way, and it’s a very exhilarating way, but like, just you’re in this jangled state of anxiety for two months.
—Cillian Murphy, Actor
Premiere and Release Details for ‘Steve’
“Steve” will have its world premiere at TIFF, which runs from September 4 to 14. Following the festival debut, the film will become available to Netflix subscribers worldwide on October 3. The release of the trailer ahead of the screening has already generated anticipation among viewers and critics eager to see Murphy’s take on this intense, character-driven drama.
Main Cast of ‘Steve’
Cillian Murphy takes on the title role of Steve, the deeply troubled headteacher determined to save his institution.
Jay Lycurgo plays Shy, a student wrestling with his own violent tendencies and emotional vulnerabilities.
Tracey Ullman appears in a rare dramatic role.
Simbi Ajikawo (Little Simz) also features in the ensemble, contributing to the film’s rich portrayal of its characters.
