Cillian Murphy’s latest film, Steve, has quickly gained significant attention on Netflix, ranking highly in Ireland and the United Kingdom. Following his acclaimed role in a Christopher Nolan movie, Murphy continues to captivate audiences with a finely tuned performance in this drama that explores intense psychological themes.
Steve’s Strong Reception and Plot Overview
Released on Netflix recently, Steve has resonated with viewers and critics alike, earning a 76% “certified fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it received enthusiastic responses. Set in the 1990s, Steve depicts a day in the life of a teacher working at a boys’ reform school, focusing on the character’s psychological struggles amid mounting crises. The film’s tension and layered storytelling are anchored by Murphy’s compelling portrayal of the determined protagonist.
FlixPatrol data reveals that Steve was the top-viewed movie in Murphy’s native Ireland and held the third spot in the United Kingdom as of October 4. Globally, it ranked as the 20th most-watched movie on Netflix, indicating strong and growing interest. The critics’ consensus on Rotten Tomatoes explains,
“A sobering drama that throws everything along with the kitchen sink at its doggedly determined hero, Steve’s pileup of crises can strain credulity but Cillian Murphy’s superb performance keeps it grounded in reality.”
—critics
Murphy’s Recent Career Path and Collaborations
After earning widespread recognition for a blockbuster directed by Christopher Nolan, Cillian Murphy has chosen to pursue projects with a more intimate and intense tone. He reunited with director Tim Mielants for Steve, following their previous collaboration on Small Things Like These. That film, set in the 1980s and centered on an Irishman facing a moral dilemma, garnered even stronger acclaim, holding a 93% “certified fresh” score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Murphy’s approach highlights his commitment to roles requiring emotional depth and complexity, reaffirming his versatility as an actor beyond large-scale productions.
Upcoming Projects and Future Appearances
Aside from character-driven films, Murphy is preparing to reprise his iconic role as Thomas Shelby in the feature film The Immortal Man, based on the Peaky Blinders series. Plans have been announced for a sequel series continuing the story after the film’s release. Additionally, Murphy is slated to appear in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, a direct follow-up to this year’s 28 Years Later, which itself continues the narrative from the original 28 Days Later in which he starred.
These upcoming projects suggest a busy schedule for Murphy as he balances major franchise installments with deeply personal, smaller-scale works.
Principal Cast of Steve
Leading the cast, Cillian Murphy delivers a powerful performance as the title character, Steve. Jay Lycurgo co-stars as Shy, adding further depth to the film’s intense drama set within a challenging institutional environment.
