EXCLUSIVE: Steve, Oscar winner Cillian Murphy’s latest starring turn, and also the second feature from his and Alan Moloney’s Big Things Films, world premiered at the Toronto Film Festival, and after a two-week theatrical run, the well-reviewed reform school drama landed on Netflix this weekend. Above, we’ve got an exclusive behind-the-scenes featurette in which Murphy discusses bringing his titular character to life and pays homage to the important roles of teachers and carers in our society.
Those roles are particularly close to Murphy’s heart given both of his parents are teachers. As he’s previously told Deadline, “I grew up in a household where I saw the after effects of standing in front of 35 teenagers all day long while my mother was trying to raise four of her own, and they were both out at work. My grandfather was a headmaster. All my aunts and uncles are teachers. So I know that inside-out of that world.”
The film carries a 77% Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes and has been at the top of the Netflix movie chart in Ireland since its release.
Steve is a reimagining of Max Porter’s 2023 Sunday Times bestseller Shy, and twists that story on its axis to be told from reform school headteacher Steve’s point of view. Porter wrote the script and executive produces. Tim Mielants is director. Murphy and Moloney produce under Big Things.
The drama is set in the mid-1990s and follows a pivotal day in the life of Murphy’s eponymous character and his students amidst a world that has forsaken them. As Steve fights to protect the school’s integrity while also fighting its impending closure, he grapples with his own mental health. In parallel to Steve’s struggles, troubled teen Shy (Jay Lycurgo) is caught between his past and what lies ahead as he tries to reconcile his inner fragility with his impulse for self-destruction and violence.
The film takes place on a day where a documentary TV crew is interviewing the teens and the teachers. It functions as well as a commentary on the political present.
Steve also stars Tracey Ullman, Simbi Ajikawo (aka Little Simz) and Emily Watson.
The post Cillian Murphy Pays Tribute To Teachers In New ‘Steve’ BTS Footage As Movie Debuts Strongly On Netflix appeared first on Deadline.
