Netflix
Cillian Murphy Stars in Netflix’s Steve: A Powerful New Drama Premiering at TIFF and Streaming This October
Oscar-winning actor Cillian Murphy (Oppenheimer, Peaky Blinders) is set to captivate audiences once again in Netflix’s upcoming drama Steve, a reimagining of Max Porter’s Sunday Times bestselling novel Shy. Directed by Tim Mielants (Small Things Like These), the film will debut at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) next month before releasing in select theaters on September 19, 2025, and premiering globally on Netflix on October 3, 2025.
A Story of Redemption and Resilience
Set in the mid-1990s, Steve follows a pivotal day in the life of headteacher Steve (Cillian Murphy) at a last-chance reform school facing closure. While fighting to preserve the school’s integrity, Steve confronts his own mental health struggles.
In a parallel storyline, we meet Shy (played by Jay Lycurgo), a troubled teen wrestling with his past and uncertain future, torn between self-destruction and the possibility of redemption. The film unfolds as a documentary crew interviews students and staff, offering both an intimate portrait of a struggling community and a commentary on broader social and political issues.
From Page to Screen
Unlike the original Shy, which centered on the student’s perspective, Netflix’s Steve shifts the focus to the headteacher’s point of view. The screenplay was penned by Max Porter himself, who also serves as an executive producer.
“This was one of the most exposing and terrifying characters I’ve ever played,” Cillian Murphy shared. “It’s a story about extraordinarily complex young people and the adults trying to guide them in a world that often fails them.”
A Stellar Ensemble Cast
Joining Cillian Murphy are Tracey Ullman (Mrs. America), Simbi Ajikawo (aka Little Simz, Top Boy), and Emily Watson (Breaking the Waves), alongside Lycurgo. The film’s music is composed by Ben Salisbury and Geoff Barrow, known for their emotionally charged and atmospheric scores.
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Festival Buzz and Release Plans
Steve will screen in TIFF’s prestigious Platform program, which spotlights bold and original filmmaking. Given Cillian Murphy’s recent Oscar win and the success of his collaboration with Tim Mielants on Small Things Like These, the film is already generating awards-season buzz.
The film’s theatrical run in the US, UK, and Ireland will allow audiences to experience its intimate yet powerful storytelling on the big screen before its global Netflix debut.
In an era of fast-paced streaming content, Steve stands out for its layered storytelling, character-driven drama, and emotional depth. It’s a film about the fires we all face—both external and internal—and the choices that shape who we become.
Mark your calendars: Steve arrives on Netflix October 3, 2025.
