‘Steve’ trailer: Cillian Murphy leads Netflix drama as reform school headteacher

Netflix has unveiled the trailer for Steve, a drama starring Oscar-winner Cillian Murphy as the headteacher of a struggling reform school. Based on Max Porter’s 2023 novel Shy, the film follows a decisive day in the life of Steve, a man fighting to keep his institution alive while confronting his own mental health struggles.

The story unfolds against the backdrop of a “last-chance” school for students who have been failed by traditional education systems. Alongside Steve’s fight to protect the school from closure, the film introduces Shy, played by Jay Lycurgo (Generation Z, The Batman), a troubled teenager torn between his violent impulses and a desire for redemption.

The cast also features Tracey Ullman (The Actor), Simni Ajikawo (Top Boy, Venom: Let There Be Carnage), and Emily Watson (The Legend of Ochi, Dune: Prophecy).

Steve reunites Murphy with several past collaborators. He previously worked with director Tim Mielants on Peaky Blinders and the 2024 drama Small Things Like These. Murphy also has a history with Porter, starring in a 2019 stage adaptation of the author’s Grief Is the Thing With Feathers and appearing in their 2021 short film All of This Unreal Time.

The screenplay is written by Porter, who also serves as an executive producer. The film is produced by Alan Moloney, Murphy, and Tina Pawlik, with a score by Ben Salisbury and Geoff Barrow.

Steve will premiere in select U.S. theaters on September 19 before its Netflix release on October 3.