Steve (2025)
🎬 Steve (2025) – An In-Depth Look at Cillian Murphy’s Powerful New Drama
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🕣 Quick Information
- Movie Name: Steve (2025)
- Release Date:
- World Premiere – September 2025 at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)
- Limited U.S. Theatrical Release – September 19, 2025
- Global Netflix Release – October 3, 2025
- Genre: Drama
- Director: Tim Mielants
- Writer: Max Porter (adapting his own novella Shy)
- Producers: Cillian Murphy, Alan Moloney, Tina Pawlik
- Production Company: Big Things Films
- Music By: Ben Salisbury & Geoff Barrow
- Runtime: 93 minutes
- Country: United Kingdom
- Language: English
🎭 Cast
- Cillian Murphy as Steve
- Jay Lycurgo as Shy
- Tracey Ullman – role undisclosed
- Simbi Ajikawo (Little Simz) – role undisclosed
- Emily Watson – role undisclosed
- Additional supporting cast members include several rising British actors confirmed by Netflix and production announcements.
🔍 Plot
Set in the mid-1990s, Steve tells the story of a single, intense day in the life of a headteacher at a struggling reform school. Steve, played by Cillian Murphy, is not only the head of the school but also its moral backbone, working tirelessly to keep the institution alive. Facing budget cuts, administrative pressure, and the looming threat of closure, he finds himself pulled in all directions.
At the same time, Steve is dealing with personal struggles. His mental health is fraying under the weight of his responsibilities. His exhaustion is physical and emotional, and his weathered appearance reflects years of sacrifice and dedication.
Parallel to Steve’s story is that of Shy, portrayed by Jay Lycurgo, a troubled teenager navigating his own storm of destructive impulses, trauma, and uncertainty about the future. The narrative structure allows the film to alternate between these two characters, creating a mirror effect—each one dealing with different but equally consuming challenges.
The day unfolds almost in real time, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the tense atmosphere of the school. Themes of resilience, vulnerability, and the sometimes-painful connection between teacher and student drive the emotional core of the film.
🔥 Fan Buzz
When Netflix unveiled the first still of Cillian Murphy in character during June 2025, fans were quick to notice the transformation. Known for his sharp, clean-cut image in recent roles such as Oppenheimer, Murphy appears here with a graying beard, heavy eyes, and a rugged demeanor.
Social media exploded with speculation about the tone of the film, with many noting that Murphy looked almost unrecognizable.
By August 2025, the official trailer gave fans more to work with. It revealed the film’s grounded, gritty aesthetic and its emotional weight. Viewers praised the authenticity of the school setting, the nuanced performances hinted at in the brief clips, and the palpable chemistry between Murphy and Lycurgo.
Hashtags like #CillianMurphy, #SteveNetflix, and #TIFF2025 began trending among film communities, and discussions about possible award nominations started before the film’s festival debut.
🎬 Facts
- Steve is adapted from the 2023 novella Shy by Max Porter.
- Max Porter himself wrote the screenplay, ensuring that the themes and voice of the book remain intact.
- Director Tim Mielants previously worked with Murphy on the hit series Peaky Blinders, creating an already trusted creative partnership.
- The film is one of the first projects under Cillian Murphy’s production company, Big Things Films.
- The music is composed by Ben Salisbury and Geoff Barrow, celebrated for their atmospheric work in films like Ex Machina.
- Filming took place in the UK from late May to early July 2024, primarily in Bath, Somerset.
- Steve will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025, in the Platform program.
- The runtime is a lean 93 minutes, designed for maximum intensity without filler.
🔊 Marketing Strategy
The promotional rollout for Steve has been deliberate and minimalistic, fitting the tone of the film.
The first phase of marketing arrived in June 2025 with a single official still. Rather than flooding the media with material, the studio opted for a restrained reveal that encouraged online discussion and speculation.
The second phase, in August 2025, brought the official trailer. Media outlets and fans dissected the footage frame-by-frame, discussing the muted color palette, 90s-period details, and the intimacy of the performances. Murphy and director Tim Mielants gave selective interviews that emphasized the collaborative and personal nature of the project.
The third phase will coincide with the film’s festival debut, leveraging critical reviews, red-carpet appearances, and panel discussions to fuel interest ahead of its Netflix release.
🎬 Behind-the-Scenes
Authenticity was a guiding principle during production. Max Porter visited the set to advise on dialogue, pacing, and the overall mood. Tim Mielants chose to mix handheld and static shots, creating a rhythm that mirrors the chaos and calm of school life.
Murphy prepared extensively, speaking with former reform school staff to gain insight into the pressures and heartbreaks of the job. Jay Lycurgo, playing Shy, researched the emotional and behavioral patterns of teenagers in similar institutions, ensuring a portrayal rooted in reality.
Music played a unique role in production. Composers Ben Salisbury and Geoff Barrow created certain pieces before filming, which were played on set to help the actors connect emotionally with key scenes.
✂️ Deleted Scenes
No official details have been released about deleted scenes. Given the tight runtime, it’s likely that any removed material would have been minimal and perhaps will be featured in streaming extras at a later date.
🎯 Final Verdict
From its concept to its execution, Steve appears to be a deeply human story told with care and craft. It’s not a flashy blockbuster—it’s a character-driven drama that thrives on subtlety, authenticity, and performance.
Murphy’s track record of disappearing into roles, combined with Tim Mielants’ skill for atmospheric storytelling, makes this one of the most anticipated dramas of 2025. Whether it becomes an awards contender or simply a critical darling, it seems poised to leave a lasting impression on audiences.
📜 Extended Analysis & Themes
Thematic Depth
Steve is as much about the fragility of the human mind as it is about the educational system. It explores the emotional labor of those who dedicate their lives to helping others, often at the expense of their own well-being. Steve’s mental exhaustion reflects a wider societal problem—how institutions demand endless sacrifice without offering adequate support.
The 1990s Setting
The mid-90s setting is more than a nostalgic backdrop. It’s a period before smartphones and widespread internet access, when communication was more personal but also more limited. This allows the film to focus on face-to-face interactions, handwritten notes, and the physical environment of the school. The period also reflects an era when reform schools were under heavy scrutiny in the UK, struggling to balance discipline with rehabilitation.
Cillian Murphy’s Career Trajectory
Coming off the success of Oppenheimer, Murphy could have pursued large-scale Hollywood projects. Instead, producing and starring in Steve shows his commitment to telling smaller, more intimate stories. It’s a calculated shift, one that reinforces his reputation as a versatile, serious actor.
Adaptation Challenges
Max Porter’s novella is known for its lyrical, almost poetic prose. Translating that to the screen without losing its rhythm requires careful pacing, precise editing, and performances that can convey subtext without excessive dialogue. This is likely why Porter himself took on screenplay duties.
Cinematography and Production Design
Based on stills and trailer footage, the cinematography uses muted, slightly desaturated tones that match the emotional weight of the story. The school interiors feel authentic—scuffed floors, dated furniture, and an atmosphere that is both institutional and intimate.
Music’s Role
Ben Salisbury and Geoff Barrow’s score leans toward minimalist piano and ambient textures, designed to underscore emotion without overwhelming it. Their previous collaborations suggest a blend of haunting melodies and atmospheric soundscapes.
Audience Expectations
Given the film’s runtime, expect a concentrated burst of drama rather than a sprawling narrative. Viewers who appreciate character studies like Manchester by the Sea or Room will likely find Steve compelling. The success of the film may hinge on word-of-mouth and critical reception at TIFF.
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