How to watch Steve – is it streaming?
After a limited run in cinemas, Cillian Murphy's drama is hitting Netflix soon.
Last year, Cillian Murphy and Belgian director Tim Mielants teamed up for one of the finest films of 2024 – Small Things Like These – and now the pair have reunited for another highly emotional work, Steve.
Adapted by Max Porter from his own novel Shy, the film was recently released in UK cinemas – and soon is is heading to Netflix.
It stars Murphy as an overworked headteacher named Steve who runs a reform school for boys with behavioural difficulties and has been met with a mostly positive critical response – including in our very own four-star review.
As well as starring, Murphy also produced the film, persuading Mielants to adopt an unusual production style. To find out more, read our exclusive interview with the filmmaker – and read on for everything you need to know about how you can watch the film.
Steve UK release date – Is it streaming?
After an early September premiere at TIFF, Steve was given a limited run in UK cinemas from Friday 19th September. However, those who haven't been able to catch a screening don't have to wait too long to catch the movie as it is set to release on Netflix on Friday 3rd October.
Netflix will be the only streaming service to show the film (where it will release worldwide), and before then the only way to watch it is at one of the aforementioned cinemas showings.
Steve cast – Who stars in the film?
As mentioned, Cillian Murphy plays Steve, while Tracy Ullman appears as his long-time deputy Amanda. Steve also features Jay Lycurgo as Shy – the troubled boy who was the main character in the original novel – while Simbi Ajikawo (aka Little Simz) stars as rookie teacher Shola, and Emily Watson plays therapist Jenny.
You can see the full cast list below:
- Cillian Murphy as Steve
- Tracey Ullman as Amanda
- Jay Lycurgo as Shy
- Simbi Ajikawo as Shola
- Emily Watson as Jenny
- Douggie McMeekin as Andy
- Youssef Kerkour
- Luke Ayres as Jamie
- Joshua J Parker
- Araloyin Oshunremi
- Tut Nyuot
- Tom Moya as Paul
- Ahmed Ismail as Nabeel
- Joshua Barry as Ash
- Archie Fisher as Cal
- Ben Lloyd-Hughes
- Priyanga Burford
- George Fouracres
- Marcus Garvey
- Ruby Ashbourne-Serkis
- Roger Allam
Steve plot – What is it about?
Steve slightly shifts the focus of Porter's original novel. The novel is titled Shy after the name of its lead, a 16-year-old at a reform school – a boarding school for troubled boys.
The film, however, centres Steve, the headteacher of the school, and it follows a pivotal day in his life. Set in mid-1990s England, Steve must fight for both the school and his own mental wellbeing.
Fans of the bestselling book need not fear, however, as Shy's story is still central to the film, following him as he attempts to reconcile his own difficulties.
Steve trailer
You can watch the trailer for Steve here:
Steve releases on Netflix globally on 3rd October 2025.
Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
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