Cillian Murphy’s latest Netflix film Steve marks another thoughtful step in his career, blending his talent as an actor with a personal connection to the story he’s telling. Premiered on October 3, 2025, the film is set in a 1990s reform school for boys and focuses on the titular character, an overworked headteacher trying to maintain order while navigating his own mental health struggles. Unlike many teacher-centered stories, Steve shifts the spotlight away from the students and instead shows the emotional toll and dedication required from the adults who guide them.
Murphy, who co-produced the film, was drawn to the project not just because of the story’s relevance, but also because it resonated with his upbringing in a family of teachers. His performance carries authenticity, capturing the quiet exhaustion, responsibility, and empathy of someone who is committed to helping others while struggling internally. Beyond acting, Murphy’s involvement in production highlights his desire to ensure the film remains honest and grounded, avoiding the clichés often seen in school-based dramas. Steve is more than a story about teaching—it’s a look at how personal struggles, professional duty, and the realities of mental health intersect in ways that are rarely explored on screen.
Cillian Murphy’s New Netflix Film: “Steve”
Oscar-winning actor Cillian Murphy stars in and co-produced the Netflix film Steve, a drama set in the 1990s at a reform school for boys. The story is based on the 2023 novella Shy by Max Porter and focuses on Steve, the headteacher, rather than the students. Steve works hard to keep the school running smoothly while also dealing with his own mental health challenges. Murphy brings authenticity to the role, drawing on his personal experience of growing up in a family of teachers and understanding the demands of the profession. Steve premiered on Netflix on October 3, 2025, and has been praised for its realistic portrayal of teachers’ lives and the impact of mental health and addiction. Murphy was also involved in producing the film, motivated by the story’s importance and his collaboration with writer Max Porter. The film shows the challenges of balancing work responsibilities with personal struggles, offering a thoughtful look at a part of society that is often overlooked.
Life in Ireland: Seeking Peace Beyond Stardom
Also Read: Steve (2025) Movie Review: A Successfully Abrasive Yet Uneven Representation of Educational Burdens
Despite Hollywood success and global fame, Cillian Murphy has chosen to live a quieter life in Ireland, away from the harsh spotlight of the entertainment industry. He and his artist wife Yvonne McGuinness reside in a Victorian family home in Monkstown, Dublin, where they raise their two sons. Murphy’s roots in Cork, Ireland, and his upbringing in a family deeply connected to education continue to ground him. The actor has expressed a personal dislike for the showy aspects of stardom, favoring instead the calm and musical culture that Ireland offers. His decision to move out of London was motivated by a desire for normalcy and to nurture his interests in music and family life without intrusion.
A Lifelong Passion for Music
Before becoming an acclaimed actor, Cillian Murphy had a strong passion for music, which he pursued earnestly in his youth. Growing up in Cork, he formed a band called Mr Green Genes alongside his younger brother and friends. The band, active during his teenage years, played around Ireland and even attracted interest from record labels such as Acid Jazz. Murphy has described music not just as a hobby but a form of fearless artistic expression, free from formulas or boundaries. Although acting took precedence as his career blossomed, his love for music remains a core part of his identity, and he has even hosted music programs showcasing his tastes ranging from Radiohead to Kendrick Lamar.
The Oppenheimer Role and Its Pop Culture Phenomenon
Cillian Murphy’s portrayal of nuclear physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolan’s 2023 film Oppenheimer earned him major acclaim—including an Academy Award—and further cemented his place in cinematic history. The film, a biographical thriller about the development of the atomic bomb during World War II, showcased Murphy’s ability to dive deeply into complex characters, bringing layers of nuance and emotional intensity. Murphy’s collaboration with Nolan is one of many over the years, and Oppenheimer remains a cultural touchstone due to its profound subject and cinematic execution. The movie generated widespread buzz, with Murphy’s performance at the center of a significant pop culture phenomenon, elevating his status beyond the role of Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders to a global icon in film.
Cillian Murphy’s Enduring Influence on Pop Culture
Murphy’s impact on pop culture extends far beyond his individual roles. His fashion sense, reserved yet intense screen presence, and commitment to diverse storytelling have influenced both audiences and industry creatives. Particularly notable is the legacy of Peaky Blinders, which continues to inspire new series and a forthcoming movie, with Murphy playing an executive production role. His approach to characters combines vulnerability, complexity, and restraint, making his performances resonate deeply. This has helped set new standards for antiheroes in modern television and film, and Murphy’s career trajectory reflects a thoughtful navigation of fame, creativity, and personal values.
