Cillian Murphy is on an unstoppable roll. The Irish actor has delivered three consecutive powerhouse performances that showcase not just his exceptional range, but his evolution into one of cinema’s most compelling character actors. From his Oscar-winning portrayal in OPPENHEIMER to the quietly devastating SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE, and now with his latest offering STEVE, Murphy has carved out a remarkable niche playing men wrestling with internal pressure and moral complexity.
STEVE represents perhaps Murphy’s most intimate project yet, both as an actor and as a producer through his company Big Things Films. Adapted from Max Porter’s novella Shy, the film follows a head teacher at a last-chance school for young offenders, a man consumed by his mission to help troubled youth while battling his own deteriorating mental state. It’s a role that allows Murphy to explore themes of masculinity, mental health, and the weight of responsibility with his characteristic subtlety and emotional intelligence.
What makes Murphy’s recent career trajectory so fascinating is how he’s surrounded himself with trusted collaborators, creating a creative ecosystem that consistently produces meaningful work. His partnership with author Max Porter began with the stage adaptation of Grief is the Thing with Feathers and has blossomed into multiple film projects. Director Tim Mielants, who helmed both SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE and STEVE, has become another key creative ally, while actors like Emily Watson have appeared across multiple Murphy productions.
The decision to make Steve Irish rather than English, as written in Porter’s original novella, speaks to Murphy’s instinct for authentic storytelling. By removing what he calls “one other kind of veil,” Murphy creates space for a more naturalistic performance while highlighting the reality of Irish educators working throughout the UK. This choice reflects his growing confidence as both performer and producer in shaping narratives that resonate with personal truth.
Murphy’s transition into producing has revealed another dimension of his artistic identity. Through Big Things Films, partnered with experienced producer Alan Moloney, he’s discovering a passion for the technical aspects of filmmaking that actors rarely experience. From grading to scoring to sound mixing, Murphy describes the post-production process as “magic dust,” finding particular satisfaction in bringing together talented collaborators and watching creative sparks fly.
The personal resonance of STEVE runs deep for Murphy, whose family background in education only became apparent to him during the production process. As he reflects on his childhood surrounded by teachers and his own children’s school experiences, the project became a meditation on the profound impact educators have on young lives. This isn’t just professional growth for Murphy; it’s artistic maturation, where life experience informs creative choices in increasingly sophisticated ways.
With THE IMMORTAL MAN, the upcoming Peaky Blinders film, on the horizon, Murphy shows no signs of slowing down. His recent work demonstrates an actor at the peak of his powers, choosing projects that challenge both himself and audiences while building a sustainable creative community around meaningful storytelling. In an industry often driven by spectacle and franchise thinking, Murphy’s approach feels refreshingly human-scaled and emotionally honest.
STEVE arrives at a moment when Murphy has fully embraced his role as both interpreter and creator of complex narratives about modern masculinity and moral responsibility. It’s a film that earns its emotional impact through careful character work rather than dramatic flourishes, perfectly suited to an actor who has mastered the art of saying everything while appearing to say very little. This is Murphy at his finest, continuing a remarkable creative streak that positions him among the most essential actors of his generation.
🌟 From THE WITCHER to DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS to EVERYTHING NOW.
Dublin`s @niamhhmccormack_ has been quietly building one of the most impressive portfolios in Irish acting.
Don`t miss her in HOUSE OF GUINNESS, now streaming on @netflix.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
🌊 When Oscar-nominated Stephen Rea (THE CRYING GAME, MICHAEL COLLINS, V FOR VENDETTA) lends his legendary voice to a haunting tale of shipwreck and survival, you know something magical is about to happen.
📍 @irishculturalcentre, Hammersmith
🗓️ November 8-9 ONLY
🎭 Don`t miss this exclusive London run!
More at irishfilmtv.com.
🎬 Cillian Murphy is absolutely unstoppable right now!
Three incredible performances in a row: Oscar winner OPPENHEIMER ✨ SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE 💫 and now STEVE - a powerhouse drama about a school headteacher fighting his own demons while saving troubled kids.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
THE WEIR is haunting London`s Harold Pinter Theatre until 6 Dec, and it`s pure magic. Brendan Gleeson makes his West End debut alongside an incredible cast in Conor McPherson`s modern masterpiece - with the playwright himself directing for the first time!
"It`s already a classic in the canon of world theatre," says Seán McGinley, and honestly? We believe him. Sometimes the most powerful stories happen over a pint, in the space between words, where kindness becomes community.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
🏆 IRISH TALENT TAKES TORONTO!
Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal just won BIG at TIFF with HAMNET - snagging the People`s Choice Award that`s basically an Oscar crystal ball ✨
More at irishfilmtv.com.
From strolling London`s Highbury Fields to stepping into Paul McCartney`s shoes 🎸✨
Paul Mescal is living proof that staying grounded while reaching for the stars isn`t just possible—it`s the secret sauce. Fresh off HAMNET and deep in rehearsals for Sam Mendes` Beatles biopics, this Irish charmer is redefining what it means to be a modern movie star.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
🔥 When Margot Robbie had a "suspicion" her chemistry with Colin Farrell would work in A BIG BOLD BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY... she was absolutely right! ✨
These two icons dive into Kogonada`s A BIG BOLD BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY where strangers Sarah and David rent mysterious cars that transport them through doorways to their childhood memories. Talk about a wild ride! 🚗💫
More at irishfilmtv.com.
Paul Mescal and Josh O`Connor playing LIE vs LIE is the chaotic energy we didn`t know we needed 😂
These THE HISTORY OF SOUND co-stars swap outrageous stories, questionable audition tales, and awkward fan encounters—and honestly, we can`t tell what`s real anymore 🤷♀️
Watch now at irishfilmtv.com.
Netflix has assembled a powerhouse Irish cast for their upcoming adaptation of Marian Keyes` bestselling novel GROWN UPS.
Sarah Greene (BAD SISTERS) leads alongside Barry Ward, Aisling Bea (THIS WAY UP), Robert Sheehan (UMBRELLA ACADEMY), Adrian Dunbar (LINE OF DUTY) and more incredible talent ✨
This 8-part series follows the chaotic Casey family as they navigate grief, love, and the messy reality of being "grown up".
More at irishfilmtv.com.
Cillian Murphy`s Oscar win for OPPENHEIMER wasn`t just a personal triumph — it was the moment Hollywood finally recognized what the Irish have known all along.
Catch him next in STEVE—in theatres September 19th, streaming on Netflix October 3rd.
New COLBERT interview now at irishfilmtv.com.
🍪 Watch as Domhnall Gleeson spills the tea (literally) about his Penguin biscuit childhood trauma and prepping for his role as Ned Sampson in THE PAPER!
From biscuit confessions to character deep dives - this chat had us hanging on every word.
Watch now at irishfilmtv.com.
🎭 Ireland`s finest is now diving into Shakespeare! ✨
At TIFF, Mescal revealed he personally convinced Chloé Zhao to adapt the film after falling in love with the novel. The story? Shakespeare`s grief over losing his son Hamnet becomes the inspiration for HAMLET 💔
More at irishfilmtv.com.
* NEW TRAILER ALERT *
🍺 From the creator of PEAKY BLINDERS comes Netflix`s most intoxicating drama yet!
HOUSE OF GUINNESS drops September 25th, serving up the dark secrets behind Ireland`s most famous brewing dynasty.
🎵 INTO THE SILENCE by @michaelk_films is making waves on the festival circuit!
This powerful11-minute journey through Ireland`s `90s acid house scene is finding its rhythm with audiences everywhere.
Full details and trailer at irishfilmtv.com.
🏆 HUGE news! Irish filmmaker Gar O`Rourke`s SANATORIUM has been selected to represent Ireland at the 98th Academy Awards!
Shot in a Ukrainian health retreat while war rages nearby, this isn`t your typical wartime documentary. It`s funny, heartwarming, and absolutely beguiling - following people taking mud baths while bombs smoke in the distance. Life goes on. ✨
Trailer now at irishfilmtv.com.
