Netflix has dropped the intense and emotional trailer for its upcoming original film Steve, and it looks like we’re in for a raw, deeply human story. Directed by Tim Mielants (Peaky Blinders, Patrick) and based on Max Porter’s acclaimed novel Shy, the film reimagines the source material with a potent blend of grit, emotion, and introspection.
Set in the mid-90s, Steve stars Cillian Murphy as the titular headteacher of a last-chance reform school for troubled boys. But this isn’t just another tale of a savior figure—it’s a layered exploration of two people battling very different demons. As Steve fights desperately to keep his school from being shut down, he also wages a quieter war with his own mental health. Meanwhile, one of his students, Shy (played by Jay Lycurgo), teeters on the edge of violence and vulnerability, trying to choose between the wreckage of his past and the hope of a better future.
The trailer hints at a moody, atmospheric tone—complete with grainy 90s aesthetics, a haunting score, and deeply intimate performances. Murphy is in top form, portraying a man who’s holding everyone else up while quietly falling apart. Lycurgo, known for roles in Titans and The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself, appears to bring an aching authenticity to his portrayal of Shy.
The ensemble cast also includes Tracey Ullman, Emily Watson, Simbi Ajikawo (Little Simz), Douggie McMeekin, and Youssef Kerkour, among others—many of whom are familiar faces from British drama and stage. With Max Porter himself adapting the screenplay, fans of the original novel can expect the poetic complexity of the book to carry over to the screen.
Slated for a September 19, 2025 release, Steve looks like one of Netflix’s strongest upcoming prestige dramas—emotionally charged, socially conscious, and anchored by powerhouse performances.
Check Out The Trailer:-