Cillian Murphy stars in Steve, a mid-90s drama about a headteacher and troubled student in a last-chance reform school, premiering this fall.
Netflix has released the official trailer, key art, and new images for Steve, a gripping mid-90s drama starring Cillian Murphy. The film will open in select theaters on September 19 before streaming on Netflix October 3, 2025.
Directed by Tim Mielants and written by Max Porter, Steve is a reimagining of Porter’s Sunday Times bestseller Shy. The story unfolds over one pivotal day at a last-chance reform school, where headteacher Steve (Murphy) struggles to protect the institution from closure while navigating his own mental health battles.
As the day unfolds, the focus also shifts to Shy, played by Jay Lycurgo, a troubled teen wrestling with his inner fragility and a dangerous pull toward self-destruction and violence. Their intertwined journeys explore themes of resilience, redemption, and the harsh realities of a system that has abandoned them.
The cast also includes Tracey Ullman, Simbi Ajikawo, Emily Watson, Douggie McMeekin, Youssef Kerkour, Luke Ayres, Joshua J Parker, Araloyin Oshunremi, Tut Nyuot, Tom Moya, Ahmed Ismail, Joshua Barry, Archie Fisher, Ben Lloyd-Hughes, Priyanga Burford, George Fouracres, Marcus Garvey, Ruby Ashbourne-Serkis, and Roger Allam.
Produced by Alan Moloney, Murphy, and Tina Pawlik, with Porter serving as executive producer, the film’s score comes from Ben Salisbury and Geoff Barrow, adding an emotional depth to the intense drama.
With its intimate performances and unflinching portrayal of both authority and youth under pressure, Steve promises to be a powerful and emotional ride when it arrives this fall.
