Cillian Murphy stars in the intense new film Steve, portraying the title character with raw emotion and relentless energy. The 48-year-old Irish actor delivers a performance filled with conflict and tenderness, while British rapper Little Simz, credited as Simbi Ajikawo in her acting role, contributes a powerful closing with her original song “Don’t Leave Too Soon,” which accompanies the end credits.
A Glimpse into School Life Amid Political Turmoil in 1996
Set in 1996, Steve explores the challenging atmosphere in a reform school facing decline and potential shutdown due to government austerity measures. Murphy’s character, Steve, is a devoted yet troubled teacher battling substance abuse, who connects deeply with his pupils through a blend of playfulness and earnest care. Among the students is Shy, played by Jay Lycurgo, who shares an unspoken bond with Steve rooted in shared vulnerability.
New to the school is Shola, an introverted teacher portrayed by Little Simz, whose calm demeanor contrasts with Steve’s weariness. The school itself is a volatile environment where children oscillate between joyful innocence and destructive behavior, reflecting the complexity of growing up under pressure. A visiting Member of Parliament’s interaction with students captures the cynical tone that permeates the school community.
Behind the Scenes: Conversations with Cillian Murphy and Little Simz
During an afternoon in London, Murphy and Little Simz discussed the making of Steve, their shared artistic challenges, and the unique experience of balancing acting with other creative ventures like music and live performance.
When questioned about her dual identity as an actress and rapper, Simbi Ajikawo responded lightheartedly, emphasizing flexibility in how she is addressed. Murphy joked about lacking a rapper persona, earning the nickname “DJ Cill” from Simz.
Crafting the End Credits Song: A Fusion of Sound and Emotion
Little Simz’s contribution to the film extends beyond acting; her song “Don’t Leave Too Soon” plays over the closing scenes, blending whispering vocals with intense drum-and-bass beats to evoke both comfort and menace. Simz described being inspired by an early cut of the film, aiming to merge contrasting elements like strings and jungle music to capture the film’s emotional complexity.
Your pain, I feel it too,
she whispers over a raucous drum-and-bass instrumental.
Murphy expressed awe at having her music close the film, noting the way the track mirrors the film’s balance between gentleness and aggression, reflective of the school’s atmosphere of fragile connections overshadowed by potential unrest.
Simz explained that the song represents her perspective as an observer of Steve and Shy’s struggles, silently witnessing their experiences without being noticed.
Musicality’s Influence on Acting and Casting Decisions
Murphy revealed that when Max Porter, the original author of the novel Shy, wrote the script, he envisioned Little Simz playing the character Shola. As a longtime fan who previously promoted her music on BBC 6 Music and admired her acting on Top Boy, Murphy was instrumental in bringing Simz onboard.
A lot of musicians are fantastic actors. It’s another side of the coin. A lot of acting is musical. That scene that we have at the end of the day, you feel the rhythms
Cillian Murphy, Actor
Simz described her artistic process as storytelling, drawing from her own life in music and embracing collaboration in film projects. She appreciated the creative freedom allowed by director Tim Mielants to develop her character without straying from the script’s essence.
An Intimate Look at a Powerful Final Scene
Filmed in chronological order, the film’s climactic scene showcases subtle emotional exchanges between Steve and Shola through nuanced facial expressions and unspoken tension. Murphy cited this sequence as his favorite, highlighting the characters’ inability to openly communicate their feelings, which resonates throughout the story.
Simz praised Mielants’s direction for encouraging artistic expression within the boundaries of the screenplay, allowing her to shape Shola’s personality while remaining faithful to the narrative.
Balancing Filming and Festival Performances: Little Simz’s Dual Commitment
Production scheduling had to accommodate Little Simz’s performance at Glastonbury Festival, with the actors shooting a pivotal classroom scene just one day before her appearance on the Pyramid Stage. The rapper acknowledged the support she received from the film’s team, which helped keep distractions at bay while she focused on acting.
Both Murphy and Simz marveled at the ease with which she transitioned between the intense demands of filming and the high pressure of performing at one of the world’s largest music festivals.
The Future of “Don’t Leave Too Soon”: Live Performance Plans
Simz expressed interest in exploring live renditions of her song from Steve, envisioning a version that combines orchestral arrangements with drum-and-bass rhythms, envisioning an emotional and sonically rich live experience.
Reflections on Politics and Social Issues Through a 1990s Lens
Set during an era of Conservative government austerity, Steve underscores the consequences such policies had on education and youth services like libraries and clubs. Murphy emphasized that the film aims to spark discussion rather than offer solutions, illustrating the lasting impact of social neglect on students who become marginalized and forgotten over time.
He urged viewers to consider the ongoing relevance of these issues, pointing out that although three decades have passed, many challenges in education and youth support remain unresolved, highlighting the cyclical nature of societal struggles.
Availability of Steve for Audiences
The film Steve is currently available in select cinemas and will be streaming on Netflix starting October 3, offering viewers an intense, thought-provoking depiction of a school and society under strain, brought to life by the compelling performances of Cillian Murphy and Little Simz.
