Synopsis
'Steve' is a British-Irish drama directed by Tim Mielants. It is based on the novel "Shy," published in 2023 by Max Porter, who also wrote the adapted screenplay for the film. It is a production by Big Things Films for the streaming platform Netflix, which will premiere it worldwide on October 3, 2025. Previously, the film had debuted in select theaters as well as at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Set in England in the mid-1990s, Steve is the headmaster of Stanton Wood, a school for troubled students that serves as a last chance for teenagers. The perfect storm comes together on a fateful day for Steve: a threat of closure for the school, the arrival of a news crew to film a documentary, and the rebellion of his students, who are becoming increasingly difficult to manage.
In this environment, Steve must handle the situation and maintain the balance between controlling the team and caring for these teenagers who see him as their last hope in life. Can Steve prevent the collapse of the school while keeping his sanity in the process?
'Steve' stars Cillian Murphy as Steve, alongside Tracey Ullman, Jay Ullman, Jay Lycurgo, Emily Watson, Douggie McMekkin, and Youssef Kerkour, among others. The film, shot in the locations of Bath and Somerset, generally receives positive reviews.
Where to watch Steve
All the optionsAvailable now in the UK:
Availability checked on 8 November 2026.
The essentials
- Runtime
- 93 min1 hour and 33 minutes
- Rating
- 15Suitable only for 15 years and over
- How long is Steve?
- 1 hour and 33 minutes (93 minutes).
- When was Steve released in the UK?
- It was released in the UK on 18 September 2025.
- Who directed Steve?
- Tim Mielants.
- Who is in Steve?
- It stars Cillian Murphy, Emily Watson, Jay Lycurgo and Roger Allam.
- Where can I watch Steve?
- In the UK it is available with a subscription on Netflix.
Cast
Full cast (19)-
Cillian Murphy Steve
-
Emily Watson Jenny
-
Jay Lycurgo Shy
-
Roger Allam Sir Hugh Montague Powell
-
Luke Ayres Jamie
-
Marcus Garvey Geoff
-
Priyanga Burford Kamila
-
Joshua Barry Ash
-
Tom Moya Paul
-
Youssef Kerkour Owen
- Director
- Tim Mielants
- Producers
- Cillian Murphy
Photos and posters
All 38 photosAwards
All the awards- BAFTA Awards 2026 1 nomination
Soundtrack
All 6 songs- Deep Shit Part 1 and Part 2Peter Kruder, Richard Dorfmeister
- Slipmatt - Break the BeatsSlipmatt
- BlackDJ SS
- Jungle JungleTotal Science
If you liked Steve
-
The Life of David Gale 2003 same genre -
9.5 Schindler's List 1993 same genre -
8.6 Dreamgirls 2006 same genre -
9.1 Disconnect 2013 same genre -
7.9 Silver Linings Playbook 2012 same genre -
8.5 Fargo 1996 same genre -
8.6 Gone With the Wind 1939 same genre -
8.6 All the President's Men 1976 same genre -
Vatel 2000 same genre -
El síndrome de Svensson 2006 same genre -
The Lost City 2005 same genre -
La vida empieza hoy 2010 same genre