Exciting news for fans of Irish cinema! Cillian Murphy’s upcoming Netflix drama, Steve, is set to receive its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September, screening in the prestigious Platform programme—an honour given to bold, auteur-driven projects.
Adapted from Max Porter’s 2023 novella Shy and directed by Tim Mielants, the film casts Murphy as Steve, a headteacher at a reform school who battles to keep his institution afloat while navigating his own mental health struggles. Alongside him is Jay Lycurgo as Shy, a troubled teen, complemented by a stellar supporting cast including Tracey Ullman, Simbi Ajikawo (aka Little Simz), and Emily Watson.
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Filmed in the UK during spring–summer 2024, Steve offers a raw, intense snapshot of one gripping day in the life of the school—bringing a poetic yet urgent story to the screen. The film will enjoy a limited theatrical release in September, followed by a global launch on Netflix on 3 October 2025.
This premiere cements Murphy’s impressive post‑Oscar trajectory—from Oppenheimer to powerful indie fare. TIFF will also showcase other homegrown talent, including Paul Mescal, Jessie Buckley, Andrew Scott, Kerry Condon, and Colin Farrell—making it a banner year for Irish stars on the international stage.
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