/indigomusic/media/media_files/2025/08/14/feature-steve-2025-08-14-11-04-59.png)
Fresh off his Academy Award win for 'Oppenheimer,' Cillian Murphy continues to draw global attention with every new role. While fans eagerly await his return as Tommy Shelby in the upcoming 'Peaky Blinders' movie, Murphy's latest project, 'Steve,' has premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival to a more measured reception than usual.
Reuniting with director Tim Mielants, with whom he worked on 'Small Things Like These,' Murphy stars in 'Steve,' a drama adapted from Max Porter's novel 'Shy.' Despite strong anticipation, the film currently holds a 72% score on Rotten Tomatoes from 29 reviews — respectable, but notably lower than the near-universal acclaim typically associated with Murphy’s recent work. It marks his weakest critical score since 2019's 'Anna,' breaking a streak of consistently high ratings above 89%.
/filters:format(webp)/indigomusic/media/media_files/2025/08/14/steve-2025-08-14-11-04-59.jpg)
Image Courtesy: IMDb
What Does 'Steve' Follow?
The film is set in the mid-1990s and follows headteacher Steve as he navigates a pivotal day at a struggling reform school. With the institution under threat of closure, Steve battles not only to preserve its future but also with his own mental health. Running parallel to his story is 'Shy,' a troubled teenager caught between destructive impulses and the fragile hope of a different future.
Although some critics have been divided on the overall film, Murphy's performance has been widely acknowledged as its standout strength. Reviewers note his ability to embody emotional depth with subtle intensity, capturing a man whose world is collapsing while rarely articulating his inner turmoil—a trait that echoes his acclaimed work in 'Oppenheimer.'
'Steve' begins a limited theatrical run on 19th September before its global release on Netflix on 3rd October.
