On September 5, 2025, Cillian Murphy and Tracey Ullman appeared on the red carpet at the Toronto International Film Festival for the debut of their new film, Steve. The premiere took place at the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto, Canada, drawing attention to this much-anticipated movie.
Cast and Creative Team Present at Premiere
Alongside Murphy and Ullman, other cast members such as Jay Lycurgo and Simbi Ajikawo attended the event. The film’s director, Tim Mielants, and screenwriter, Max Porter, were also present to support the release. Their presence highlighted the collaborative effort behind the project.
Overview of the Film’s Story
Steve is set in the mid-1990s and is adapted from Max Porter’s Sunday Times bestseller, Shy. The story centers on headteacher Steve, played by Murphy, who manages a reform school facing closure while dealing with his own mental health challenges. The narrative also follows Shy, portrayed by Lycurgo, a troubled teenager struggling to balance his difficult past with a destructive future.
“Set in the mid-90s, Steve is a reimagining of Max Porter‘s Sunday Times bestseller Shy. The film follows a pivotal day in the life of headteacher Steve (Murphy) and his students at a last-chance reform school amidst a world that has forsaken them. As Steve fights to protect the school’s integrity and impending closure, we witness him grappling with his own mental health. In parallel to Steve’s struggles, we meet Shy (Lycurgo), a troubled teen caught between his past and what lies ahead as he tries to reconcile his inner fragility with his impulse for self-destruction and violence.”
—Max Porter, Screenwriter
Release Dates and Viewing Options
Steve is scheduled for a theatrical release on September 19, 2025. Following this, it will become available for streaming on Netflix starting October 3, providing multiple ways for audiences to experience the film.
Photographs Capture Premiere Excitement
Over twenty-five images from the premiere showcase the cast and creative team during the event, offering a glimpse into the atmosphere as the film made its debut in Toronto.
