Released on October 3, the new Netflix film Steve, starring Irish actor Cillian Murphy, is quickly gaining traction among viewers in the United States. This project marks Murphy’s first collaboration with Netflix following his Academy Award-winning role as the physicist in Christopher Nolan‘s 2023 film Oppenheimer, fueling curiosity around his latest work and contributing to the film’s growing popularity.
According to streaming data from Reelgood, Steve ranked as the ninth most-watched movie across all streaming platforms in the U.S. for the week of October 2–8. It sat just behind Netflix’s hit series KPop Demon Hunters, which claimed eighth place. This ranking places Steve above titles such as Apple TV+’s All of You and beneath several widely recognized films like The Naked Gun and Superman, illustrating its strong performance in a competitive market.
Plot and Character Focus
The film centers on the titular character, Steve, portrayed by Cillian Murphy, who is the headteacher at a struggling reform school. The story unfolds over a critical day as Steve fights to protect his students and maintain his sanity. Alongside him, a troubled student named Shy grapples with violent tendencies and a fragile hope for change. Together, their experiences explore themes of redemption and resilience in a society that has largely abandoned them.
Experienced Team Behind ‘Steve’
Steve was directed by Tim Mielants, who reunites here with Murphy after their previous collaboration on the 2024 drama Small Things Like These. The screenplay, adapted from Max Porter’s 2023 novella Shy, delivers a raw and relentless narrative. The cast also features respected talents including Tracey Ullman, a seven-time Emmy winner; Jay Lycurgo, known for The Immortal Man; Simbi Ajikawo; two-time Oscar nominee Emily Watson; Youssef Kerkour; Tut Nyuot; Priyanga Burford; Ruby Ashbourne-Serkis; and Roger Allam, among others.
Critical Acclaim and Festival Debut
Steve premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival where it received praise from critics for its stark portrayal of a protagonist facing continuous challenges. While some critics noted occasional stretches in believability, Cillian Murphy’s compelling and authentic performance was widely recognized as the film’s emotional anchor. The drama’s intense focus on hardship and personal struggle offers a sobering but important perspective.
Despite not appearing on Netflix’s Global Top 10 movies list for the week of September 29–October 5, its ranking as the ninth most-watched film on U.S. streaming platforms highlights its noteworthy impact. The film’s success is remarkable for a sober, character-driven narrative without broad commercial appeal, signaling a dedicated audience for thoughtful, challenging cinema.
Cillian Murphy’s Thoughtful Career Choices Post-Oscar
Following his Oscar win for Oppenheimer, Cillian Murphy has consciously chosen to focus on smaller, meaningful projects rather than pursuing high-profile blockbusters or high-paying roles. This approach allows him to bring attention to films like Steve, which might otherwise have remained under the radar. The presence of an Academy Award winner on Netflix has undoubtedly drawn more viewers to the film, increasing its reach and impact.
