Cillian Murphy has shared how his preparation for the new Netflix film, Steve, marked a departure from his usual intense method, reflecting on how the project’s specifics influenced his acting style. The film, which holds significant anticipation following Murphy’s Academy Award-winning success, is set to premiere on Netflix on 3 October after a limited theatrical run.
In Steve, Murphy plays the headteacher of a school catering to boys facing social and behavioral challenges. The role portrays Steve as a committed educator whose humor masks the toll that his work exerts on him, highlighting the tense and fragile atmosphere within the school environment.
Working Closely with Key Collaborators on a Challenging Story
The film is directed by Tim Mielants and adapted by Max Porter from his 2023 novella Shy. Murphy reconnects with Porter, who also adapted their previous collaboration for stage, Grief Is the Thing with Feathers. This continuity between actor, writer, and director adds depth to the project’s intense storytelling.
Murphy explained in a Metro interview that, unlike his traditional process where he spends extensive time researching and isolating himself to develop character nuances, he took a more immediate and present-focused approach during Steve.
“I tried to take a completely different approach to the whole process for this one,”
Murphy said.
“Generally, I lock myself away for a long time, I research and read like a mad thing, and you’re developing an accent and a physicality. I love it, and I really go deep into it, and it’s very, very private – I don’t talk to people – and then, bit by bit, I begin to share it with the director.”
“But with this one, because of all of what Max just said, I thought I’m just going to turn up and be completely available and completely responsive to what’s happening,”
he continued.
“I felt the best way to prepare for this is just to be completely present in every moment and try and absorb what’s happening to the character as it’s happening.”
Reception and Anticipation Ahead of Netflix Launch
The cast also includes Emily Watson and Tracey Ullman, adding gravitas to a film that has drawn positive critical attention. Currently holding a 77% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 47 reviews, Steve has been praised for its dark humor and thought-provoking narrative.
“It’s darkly funny and thought-provoking – and as nail-biting as you might expect,”
noted Rolling Stone Magazine.
“A rallying, railing portrayal of a broken education system,”
added Empire Magazine.
Having already begun its limited theatrical release, Steve is positioned to reach a larger audience with its Netflix arrival on 3 October, offering viewers an intense exploration of educational struggles through Murphy’s reflective and immediate performance style.
What This Means for Murphy’s Future Work
This switch in acting approach for Steve illustrates Murphy’s willingness to adapt and experiment with his craft even after significant acclaim, showing a cautious but hopeful mindset toward new creative challenges. His collaboration with Porter and Mielants signals an ongoing interest in projects with emotional depth and social relevance, which may shape his choices moving forward.
