Cillian Murphy Stars as Reform School Headteacher in Netflix Film Steve

Cillian Murphy stars as Steve, the headteacher of a struggling last-chance reform school, in the upcoming Netflix film Steve, a reimagining of Max Porter's Sunday Times bestseller Shy. Set in the mid-1990s, the story unfolds over a pivotal day during which Steve fights to protect the school from closure while grappling with his own mental health challenges. The film shifts focus from the novella's protagonist Shy, played by Jay Lycurgo, a troubled teenager trying to reconcile his past with his self-destructive impulses, to Steve's perspective and his efforts to connect with the complex youths under his care. Directed by Tim Mielants, Steve features a supporting cast including Tracey Ullman, Simbi Ajikawo, and Emily Watson, and marks Murphy's second collaboration with Mielants following Small Things Like These. Steve will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 5, with a theatrical release on September 19 before becoming available on Netflix starting October 3. Murphy has described the role as one of the most exposing and terrifying he has ever played, underscoring the film's intense exploration of troubled youth and institutional challenges.