Renowned British photojournalist Sir Don McCullin has taken audiences behind the scenes of the upcoming Netflix drama Steve, featuring acclaimed actor Cillian Murphy. Directed by Tim Mielants and based on Max Porter‘s bestselling novel Shy, the film delves into a critical day in the life of a headteacher at a reform school. As the character Steve battles to maintain the school’s integrity against the threat of closure, he also confronts his own mental health challenges.
Alongside Murphy, the film stars Jay Lycurgo, who recently won a BIFA for his compelling performance, as well as talents like Tracey Ullman, Simbi Ajikawo, and Emily Watson. The narrative intertwines Steve’s struggles with those of Shy, a young man wrestling with his past while trying to navigate a future filled with uncertainty.
McCullin’s Final Film and Unique Insights
At 90 years old, McCullin has a storied career that includes powerful images from significant historical events such as the Vietnam War and the Falklands War. He has photographed only a handful of films throughout his career, including Michelangelo Antonioni’s Blow-Up (1966) and Ridley Scott’s Black Hawk Down (2001). McCullin has stated that Steve will be his final film project. He dedicated several days to capturing the production, producing never-before-seen reportage photography that echoes the style of his earlier works.
The behind-the-scenes images showcase Murphy and the cast as they bring Porter’s script to life, highlighting the film’s emotional depth and character-driven storytelling. Steve made its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival before its streaming debut on October 3, 2023.
Murphy’s Commitment to Compelling Stories
Following his success in Oppenheimer, Murphy expressed his eagerness to take on the role of Steve. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he remarked, “As soon as I finished the Oppenheimer awards run, we went straight into Steve. It wasn’t strategic on my part, going one big one, one small one.” He emphasized that the stories he chooses resonate with him personally, often written by friends, and reflect the type of films he is passionate about.
Critics have already begun to praise the film. David Rooney, chief film critic for The Hollywood Reporter, described Steve as “deeply moving,” noting that “moments of humor and rare quiet are essential to relieve the manic chaos that more often reigns in this unflinching but compassionate slice of social realism.”
In addition to his current work, McCullin’s life has been the subject of interest for filmmakers, with Angelina Jolie previously set to direct a biopic titled Unreasonable Behaviour, named after his acclaimed autobiography. The film promises to shed light on the experiences of a man who has witnessed and documented some of the most significant events of our time.
As anticipation builds for Steve, it is clear that McCullin’s unique perspective and the stellar cast will contribute to a poignant exploration of resilience, vulnerability, and the complexities of modern education.
