The Hollywood Reporter has unveiled something extraordinary: behind-the-scenes imagery from STEVE, captured by none other than Sir Don McCullin, the legendary British photojournalist whose lens has witnessed some of history’s most harrowing moments. At ninety years old, McCullin has declared this Netflix drama his final film project, a fitting capstone to a career that has included just a handful of cinematic ventures—most notably Michelangelo Antonioni’s BLOW-UP in 1966 and Ridley Scott’s BLACK HAWK DOWN in 2001.
Directed by Tim Mielants and written by Max Porter, STEVE reimagines Porter’s best-selling novel “Shy” through the story of a single pivotal day. Cillian Murphy embodies the title character, a head teacher navigating the crushing pressure of leading a last-chance reform school while battling to keep its doors open and his own mental health intact. The performance arrives on the heels of Murphy’s career-defining turn in OPPENHEIMER, though as the actor himself explained, the transition wasn’t calculated strategy but rather immediate necessity—as soon as the awards season ended, production on STEVE began.
The film operates on parallel tracks, following Steve’s deteriorating composure while simultaneously tracking Shy, a troubled teenager played by Jay Lycurgo, who took home a BIFA award for the role. Shy exists in the precarious space between his damaged past and an uncertain future, wrestling with the contradiction between inner vulnerability and outward violence. The ensemble surrounding these central figures includes powerhouse talents like Tracey Ullman, Simbi Ajikawo, and Emily Watson, all captured in McCullin’s reportage-style photography during several days spent documenting the production.
McCullin’s approach to these behind-the-scenes images deliberately references the aesthetic of his earlier conflict photography, bringing that same unflinching documentary eye to the process of filmmaking itself. The result offers something beyond typical promotional photography—these are images that carry the weight of witness, the same quality that made McCullin’s Vietnam War, Troubles, and Falklands War photographs historical documents of profound significance. That he chose STEVE as his cinematic farewell speaks to something essential in the material, a recognition perhaps that the battles fought in reform school corridors and within fractured psyches deserve the same serious attention he once gave to warzones.
After its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, STEVE arrived on Netflix on October 3rd, bringing Porter’s intimate character study to a global audience. The collaboration between Murphy’s quietly devastating performance, Mielants’ direction, Porter’s adaptation of his own novel, and McCullin’s photographic documentation creates something that exists both as film and as artifact—a record of artistic creation captured by someone who spent a lifetime recording history as it happened.
✦ EXCLUSIVE INTEL FOR THE INITIATED ✦
Steven Knight just gave us the inside scoop. Before THE IMMORTAL MAN drops Mar 6, there are three episodes every true fan needs to re-watch.
These aren`t random picks—they`re the episodes that define Tommy Shelby`s entire journey. The moment that reveals who he really is. The turning point where he chooses life. The goodbye that haunts every frame before his return.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
BAFTA winner. Red carpet royalty. 🎬
Fresh off her latest accolade, Jessie Buckley hone at the World Premiere of THE BRIDE!
Directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal and starring Buckley alongside Christian Bale, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Penélope Cruz, this is the gothic crime romance you didn`t know you needed.
Arriving in cinemas March 6. ✨
WALK THE BLUE FIELDS is adapting Claire Keegan`s devastating short story into a film that`s already drawing serious talent including Andrew Scott (FLEABAG, RIPLEY), Emily Blunt (OPPENHEIMER) and Ciarán Hinds (IS THIS THING ON?)
Set in Ireland, this is a romance about impossible choices, buried secrets, and the moment everything changes.
Link in bio to read more about what promises to be one of the year`s most emotionally powerful films.
One week. Two brothers. One dead. But which one?
THE UNDERTOW is the psychological thriller that will have you questioning everything—and everyone.
Jamie Dornan delivers a career-defining dual performance as identical twins Adam and Lee, embodying two completely different men while suggesting the psychological unraveling beneath.
More Jamie at irishfilmtv.com.
Colin Farrell`s THE SLIGHTEST TOUCH is a documentary about friendship, resilience, and refusing to accept limitations.
It`s the story of two people who`ve built their lives around each other, and one extraordinary day that proves what`s possible when someone truly shows up for you.
Directed by Rachel Fleit (BAMA RUSH), the film premieres at the 2026 Dublin International Film Festival before coming to HBO and HBO Max globally later this year.
More Colin at irishfilmtv.com.
50 years, GAME OF THRONES, BELFAST, an Oscar nomination and now a lifetime achievement award!
Ciarán Hinds doesn`t look back. He looks ahead. He lives in the moment. And when asked to reflect on five decades of extraordinary work, his response was simply—"It`s kind of shocking."
More Ciaran at irishfilmtv.com.
Some ghosts don`t stay buried.
Cillian Murphy returns as Tommy Shelbyun THE IMMORTAL MAN - older, greyer, and facing the legacy he left behind.
His son runs the Blinders now. His past won`t let him rest. One choice will change everything. 👑💔
Cinemas March 6 • Netflix March 20
More at irishfilmtv.com.
✨ EXCLUSIVE: Eve Hewson is heading back to Dublin.
Joining forces with acclaimed director Lenny Abrahamson, the Irish actress is set to star in a stunning new period drama that transports us to 1970s Dublin—a city pulsing with cultural complexity and untold stories.
The film will explore the vibrant Jewish community of the era, with Hewson joined by acclaimed English actor Tom Burke and breakthrough talent Shane Meagher. A reunion of Abrahamson`s trusted collaborators (hello, NORMAL PEOPLE magic ✨), this ensemble promises something truly special.
More Eve at irishfilmtv.com.
MOBLAND Season Two is underway!
Irish actors @piersmorgan and @scandalous_13 are back and this season promises to be something else entirely!
Season One made history as one of Paramount+`s biggest ever debuts, and if the word coming out of production is anything to go by, they`re not here to play it safe.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
