Cillian Murphy stars in Steve, the intense psychological drama coming to Netflix in October

Cillian Murphy stars in Steve, an intense drama about leadership, personal crisis, and redemption, arriving on Netflix this autumn.

Netflix has revealed the first official image and full cast of ‘Steve‘, its upcoming film starring Oscar-winner Cillian Murphy. The highly anticipated feature will premiere in select cinemas in September 2025 and will be available globally on the platform from 3 October. Directed by Tim Mielants and written by Max Porter, ‘Steve‘ is shaping up to be one of the major releases of the autumn season, combining psychological drama, institutional critique, and high-calibre performances.

Set in the 1990s, the story centres on ‘Steve’, a headteacher who leads a reform school for teenagers on the verge of social exclusion. Cillian Murphy plays this character marked by an internal struggle: while trying to prevent the closure of the school he manages, he also faces increasing emotional instability. The plot unfolds over the course of a single day, intensifying the protagonist’s sense of urgency and isolation.

Alongside Murphy, young actor Jay Lycurgo plays Shy, a student trapped in a cycle of self-destruction. His emotional journey runs parallel to Steve’s, harshly reflecting themes such as male fragility, suppressed violence, and the desire for redemption. This dual narrative approach promises a powerful cinematic experience, without resorting to sentimentality.

The cast also includes notable names like Emily Watson, Tracey Ullman, and Simbi Ajikawo, supported by a strong secondary cast led by Douggie McMeekin, Roger Allam, Priyanga Burford, Araloyin Oshunremi, and Marcus Garvey, among others. The production was overseen by Alan Moloney, Tina Pawlik, and Cillian Murphy himself, who also serves as a producer. The soundtrack, composed by Ben Salisbury and Geoff Barrow, is set to add an essential emotional layer, continuing the style they established with Ex Machina and Annihilation.

Steve marks the creative reunion between Cillian Murphy and director Tim Mielants, following their successful collaboration on ‘Peaky Blinders‘. This new film delves into themes such as the collapse of educational institutions, untreated childhood wounds, and the limits of empathy in contexts of authority. All signs point to Steve becoming one of the most talked-about productions of the year, with the potential to spark conversation both among critics and general audiences.

With an intimate story, top-tier performances, and a bold perspective on mental health and education, ‘Steve‘ promises to be a must-watch for fans of thought-provoking cinema. The film will be shown in select cinemas in September and will be available on Netflix from 3 October 2025.