First Look: Cillian Murphy Leads Reimagining of ‘Shy’ in Upcoming Drama ‘Steve’

Cillian Murphy is back on screen in a new film called Steve, and here’s a first look. The movie is based on the 2023 novella Shy by Max Porter, and it’s hitting select cinemas this September. After that, it’ll be available to stream on Netflix starting October 3, 2025.

Steve tells the story of a headteacher and a group of troubled boys at a reform school. The whole film takes place over one very intense day. Murphy plays the headteacher, while Jay Lycurgo takes on the role of Shy, one of the boys at the school. Tracey Ullman, Simbi Ajikawo, and Emily Watson are also in the cast.

The film is directed by Tim Mielants and was written by Max Porter, who adapted it from his own book. Murphy and Porter have worked together before on both stage and screen, and this new project is another collaboration between the two.

Murphy, through his production company Big Things Films, is also producing the film alongside Alan Moloney.

Porter gave Murphy an early version of Shy before it was even published. Murphy said, “It just broke my heart. They’re the sorts of things I love as a reader and as a performer.” Their connection over the material helped bring the film to life.

Filming started in the UK on May 24, 2024, and wrapped up on July 5. Some of the scenes were shot in Bath, Somerset.

Netflix first announced the film in February 2024. Since then, anticipation has grown thanks to the strong cast and the emotional story it’s based on.

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