Behind The Scenes of STEVE
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carry the weight of witness, the same quality that made McCullin’s Vietnam War, Troubles, and Falklands War photographs historical documents of profound significance.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.
Domhnall Gleeson heads to a remote Scottish isle for THE INCOMER!
He plays an awkward council worker tasked with relocating two siblings who survive by hunting seabirds, talking to mythical beings, and fiercely defending their homeland from outsiders.
More Domhnall at irishfilmtv.com.
Andrew Scott is bringing one of theater`s most powerful true stories to life.
The ALL OF US STRANGERS star will portray Scottish actor Ian Charleson in ELSINORE, chronicling Charleson`s breathtaking final performance as Hamlet at London`s National Theatre before his death in 1990 at age 40.
More via irishfilmtv.com.
Belfast-born Ciaran Hinds shines in Bradley Copper`s IS THIS THING ON?
With Hinds, you`re not just getting an actor. You`re getting decades of gravitas, warmth, and that rare ability to make every scene feel like it matters. From prestige drama to fantasy epics, he`s built a career on understated brilliance. And now? He`s ready to find the humor in heartbreak.
More Ciaran at irishfilmtv.com.
Gothic drama LIES WE TELL is now on Netflix.
With powerful performances by Agnes O`Casey and David Wilmot, the Irish drama takes Sheridan Le Fanu`s classic novel UNCLE SILAS and transforms it into something urgent and vital for our moment.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
When Colin Farrell and Jessie Buckley finally sat down together, they were strangers—but within moments, the conversation became profound.
Both Irish actors are carrying the weight of devastating roles this year: Farrell as a gambling addict spiraling in Macau in BALLAD OF A SMALL PLAYER, Buckley as Agnes Shakespeare grieving her son in HAMNET.
Watch now at irishfilmtv.com.
From FAIR CITY to KNIVES OUT! Daryl McCormack shines in the new #netflix film WAKE UP DEAD MAN.
McCormack just wrapped Netflix`s PRIDE AND PREJUDICE opposite Jack Lowden, Emma Corrin, and Olivia Colman. Talk about range: trading viral grift for Jane Austen elegance. Same actor, different century, wildly different moral compass.
More Daryl at irishfilmtv.com.
Eve Hewson brings ghosts to life in Noah Baumbach`s JAY KELLY.
From her breakout in THIS MUST BE THE PLACE to BAD SISTERS and beyond, she`s now haunting George Clooney as Daphne—a face from the past that forces a movie star to confront who he became while chasing fame.
More Eve at irishfilmtv.com.
When the past catches up with you in Amsterdam 🌊
Ciarán Hinds and Lesley Manville star in MIDWINTER BREAK—a retired couple`s winter getaway becomes a reckoning with memories they`ve tried to outrun for decades, in theatres Feb 20.
New trailer at irishfilmtv.com.
James Nesbitt is back in Harlan Coben`s twisted universe. 🔍
RUN AWAY drops January 1st on #Netflix — and this one`s personal.
When Simon (Nesbitt) finally finds his missing daughter strung out in a city park, it`s supposed to be a second chance. Instead, it`s the beginning of a nightmare.
New trailer at irishfilmtv.com.
Are you loving STEVE on #Netflix?
Legendary war photographer Sir Don McCullin spent days on set capturing behind-the-scenes magic from this raw Netflix drama starring Cillian Murphy about a head teacher fighting to save his reform school while battling his own demons.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
🏆 RIVALS just scooped the International Emmy for Best Drama Series!
The Disney+ hit starring Irish talents Aidan Turner and Victoria Smurfit brought home the gold for this deliciously scandalous 1980s romp through the world of wealthy media types.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
From THE COMMITMENTS to THE TUDORS to KIN, @mariadoylekennedy has built a career that defies categories.
In a brand new interview with The Irish Examiner, Maria opens up about the artists and art that shaped her creative journey—from her Dublin roots to international screens and stages.
Watch now at irishfilmtv.com.
🎭 From Shakespeare to a Beatle: Paul Mescal is doing the impossible!
Oscar-nominated Irish actor Paul Mescal is taking on TWO iconic roles that prove he`s one of the most fearless actors working today.
Watch Paul`s latest interview at irishfilmtv.com.
Kerry Condon`s brief but powerful performance in TRAIN DREAMS is pitch perfect.
She inhabits her character with quiet competence, moving through a male-dominated world with both caution and grace.
Watch now on @netflix!
🎬 HAMNET stars to receive Vanguard Award at the Palm Springs International Film Awards!
A stunning meditation on love`s fragility and art`s power to transform suffering into transcendence. This is Irish talent at its absolute finest on the world stage.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
