STEVE trailer released
Cillian Murphy is having a moment. Fresh off his Oscar win for OPPENHEIMER, the Irish actor could easily coast on blockbuster offers and prestige projects. Instead, he’s doubling down on intimate, challenging material that showcases his evolution from magnetic screen presence to thoughtful producer-star committed to meaningful storytelling.
His latest venture, STEVE, premieres at the Toronto Film Festival before hitting select theaters September 19 and landing on Netflix October 3. This isn’t your typical post-Oscar victory lap—it’s Murphy leaning into the kind of raw, uncompromising drama that originally caught Christopher Nolan’s attention years before BATMAN BEGINS launched his Hollywood trajectory.
Set in the mid-1990s, STEVE follows a pivotal day at a last-chance reform school where Murphy’s titular headteacher battles to save his institution while wrestling with his own deteriorating mental health. The drama unfolds against the backdrop of a documentary crew interviewing students and faculty, creating a voyeuristic tension that mirrors our current obsession with performative authenticity. It’s adapted from Max Porter’s 2023 novella “Shy,” reimagined for the screen by Porter himself—continuing a creative partnership that began when Murphy starred in the stage adaptation of Porter’s “Grief Is the Thing with Feathers.”
This collaboration exemplifies Murphy’s current creative strategy: surrounding himself with trusted voices while expanding his influence behind the camera. Through Big Things Films, the production company he founded with partner Alan Moloney, Murphy is curating a distinctly European sensibility that stands apart from Hollywood’s franchise machinery. Their debut feature, SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE, established the company’s commitment to literary adaptations that prioritize character over spectacle.
The ensemble Murphy has assembled for STEVE reflects his knack for inspired casting. Tracey Ullman delivers what’s being described as a stunning dramatic turn, while Top Boy’s Simbi Ajikawo and Oscar nominee Emily Watson round out a cast that blends established talent with emerging voices like Jay Lycurgo, who plays the troubled teen Shy. Lycurgo, notably, will also appear in the upcoming PEAKY BLINDERS feature film, suggesting Murphy’s growing influence in shaping the next generation of British talent.
Director Tim Mielants brings a visual sensibility honed on PEAKY BLINDERS‘ third season and refined through his work with Murphy on SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE. This continuity of collaborators isn’t coincidence—it’s Murphy consciously building a creative ecosystem where trust allows for greater artistic risk-taking.
🎬 Domhnall Gleeson is back and he`s trading time travel for newspaper headlines!
The EX MACHINA and ABOUT TIME star leads THE PAPER, a new mockumentary series from THE OFFICE creators that drops ALL 10 episodes September 4th on Peacock!
Watch the new sneak peek at irishfilmtv.com.
* NEW TRAILER ALERT *
From Oscar nominee for THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN to scene-stealer in THE PENGUIN, Colin Farrel is now teaming up with visionary director Kogonada again for A BIG BOLD BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY alongside Margot Robbie.
Watch now at irishfilmtv.com.
🎭 Jessie Buckley is about to break our hearts all over again in HAMNET 💔
From her Oscar-nominated turn in THE LOST DAUGHTER to the psychological depths of MEN, this Irish powerhouse keeps choosing roles that demand everything.
HAMNET hits theaters November 27th - mark your calendars! 🗓️
** NEW TRAILER ALERT **
After 8 years away from acting, Daniel Day-Lewis returns in ANEMONE.
Set in 1980s Yorkshire, this Brad Pitt-produced film explores the complex bonds between fathers, sons, and brothers.
Watch now at irishfilmtv.com.
🎰 NEW TRAILER ALERT! Colin Farrell is on an absolute TEAR right now!
Fresh off his Golden Globe and SAG wins for THE PENGUIN, he`s diving into Edward Berger`s new film BALLAD OF A SMALL PLAYER - and the first trailer looks absolutely stunning.
Watch now at irishfilmtv.com.
🍺 From PEAKY BLINDERS to pints of pure drama!
Steven Knight is serving up Ireland`s most scandalous brewing dynasty in HOUSE OF GUINNESS, hitting Netflix Sept 25th ✨
Anthony Boyle, Louis Partridge, Emily Fairn & Fionn O`Shea are about to show you what happens when you inherit black gold... and all the poison that comes with it 🖤
More at irishfilmtv.com.
🎬 CHRISTY from @sleeper.films hits different.
This Cork story isn`t your typical social realism - it`s got heart, humor, and the kind of authentic brotherhood that`ll stay with you long after the credits roll.
Out in Ireland/Northern Ireland Aug 29, watch the trailer at irishfilmtv.com.
🎰 Colin Farrell`s career glow-up continues!
From Oscar-nominations to the unrecognizable Penguin in THE BATMAN, and now as an obsessive gambler in Edward Berger`s BALLAD OF A SMALL PLAYER.
Mark your calendars: @tiff_net premiere Sept 9, limited release Oct 15, Netflix Oct 29. 🔥
* NEW TRAILER ALERT *
Cillian Muprhy`s latest project STEVE premieres at Toronto Film Festival before hitting Netflix October 3rd.
Murphy plays a reform school headteacher fighting to save his institution while battling his own demons—because this man never takes the easy route.
Watch now at irishfilmtv.com.
🎬 HE`S BACK. After 8 years in "retirement," Daniel Day-Lewis returns to the screen in ANEMONE - and it`s personal.
The three-time Oscar winner emerges from his artistic sabbatical for his most intimate project yet: a family drama he co-wrote with his son Ronan, who`s making his directorial debut.
World premiere at NYC Film Festival. October 3rd limited release. The legend continues. 🔥
More at irishfilmtv.com.
📺 NEW TRAILER ALERT 📺
Premiering Aug 28, THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB follows four retirees who spend their time solving cold case murders for fun - based on @misterosman’s bestselling novel.
Visit irishfilmtv.com for more!
🎭 LEGEND RETURNS TO THE STAGE 🎭
From Mad-Eye Moody to Uncle Pastuzo, Brendan Gleeson has captivated us on screen for decades. Now he`s making his WEST END DEBUT in THE WEIR! Dublin first (Aug 8-Sep 6) then London`s Harold Pinter Theatre (Sep 12-Dec 6).
More at irishfilmtv.com.
🎭 From beloved DERRY GIRL to Chekhov star!
Saoirse-Monica Jackson is trading the screen for the stage in Kabosh`s bold new adaptation of THREE SISTERS at @gaiety_theatre.
Visit irishfilmtv.com for ticket links!
Liam Neeson just crushed it as Frank Drebin Jr. in THE NAKED GUN and now he`s diving headfirst into horror comedy with COLD STORAGE.
At 72, Neeson is still choosing the wildest projects and we`re absolutely here for it. COLD STORAGE hits theaters next year!
Watch the crazy trailer at irishfilmtv.com.
NEW trailer alert! 🎬 From STAR WARS galaxies to Ohio newsrooms!
Domhnall Gleeson is trading his General Hux uniform for editor-in-chief duties in THE PAPER - @peacock!`s brilliant new spin on THE OFFICE universe.
Premiering Sep 4, watch trailer at irishfilmtv.com.
