Netflix Cillian Murphy's New Film 'Steve' First Trailer Released... Streaming on October 3

Netflix has released the first trailer for the new drama film 'Steve' starring Cillian Murphy. Set in the mid-1990s, this film is a reinterpretation of Max Porter's acclaimed novel 'Shy'.

Murphy plays Steve, a dedicated principal of a correctional school for boys. He struggles with a day that tests his patience, principles, and ability to guide troubled students onto the right path.

Crisis of School Closure and Troubled Students

The story intertwines Steve's efforts to maintain the integrity of the school amid an impending closure crisis and the struggles of a troubled youth, Shy (Jay Lykergo), who battles inner conflict and violent impulses.

After its film festival debut, 'Steve' will be released in select theaters on September 19 and will be available for global streaming on Netflix starting October 3.

The Principal Enduring Under Pressure

The trailer begins with Steve being asked to summarize himself in three words. He smiles and admits, "Very, very tired." Following this, we see him trying to communicate with the difficult students he cares for, and he is shown relying on drugs to cope with the pressure.

As the trailer progresses, Steve's world becomes increasingly chaotic. The turmoil among the students escalates around him, and he desperately clings to any coping strategies he can muster as he sinks deeper.

Murphy's Unique Acting Challenge

In an interview with Deadline, Murphy stated, "Max (Porter) wrote a character specifically for me, but I think a lot of him is in there... There were elements without an accent," adding, "It was one of the most exposed and terrifying characters I've played."

He also mentioned, "Both my parents are teachers, so I grew up seeing the aftermath of my mother standing in front of 35 teenagers all day while raising four children. My grandfather was a principal, and all my uncles and aunts are teachers. So I know the ins and outs of that world."

Toronto Film Festival Premiere Scheduled

'Steve', featuring an outstanding cast including Tracey Ullman, Emily Watson, and Simbi Ajikawo, is produced by Murphy's Big Things Films and is set to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 5, 2025.

Directed by the Director of 'Peaky Blinders'

Tim Milants, known for 'Peaky Blinders', is directing, with Porter handling the adaptation himself. 'Steve' explores the meaning of being alone, moving forward, and the effort to support others in the process.

The score by Ben Salisbury and Jeff Barrow is designed to deepen the emotional impact of the drama, layering ambient textures with hints of a tone inspired by the 1990s.

The trailer hints at a film that explores the complex realities of life in a correctional school, merging urgent intensity with deep human moments.