Peaky Blinders and Oppenheimer actor, Cillian Murphy, is set to take on a deeply moving role as he portrays the head of a struggling school in a new Netflix film.
Netflix has just unveiled the first official images for the film, which is a reinterpretation of Max Porter’s Sunday Times bestseller, Shy. The book was described by critic Kevin Barry as “beautiful and haunting”. Set in the mid-90s, the film chronicles a pivotal day in the life of headteacher Steve (Murphy) and his pupils at a last-chance reform school in a world that has abandoned them.
The synopsis states: “As Steve fights to protect the school’s integrity and impending closure, we witness him grappling with his own mental health.
Tracey Ullman as Amanda, Cillian Murphy as Steve
“In parallel to Steve’s struggles, we meet Shy (Jay Lycurgo), a troubled teen caught between his past and what lies ahead as he tries to reconcile his inner fragility with his impulse for self-destruction and violence.”
The film, titled Steve, will be shown in select cinemas from 19 September before its Netflix release on 3 October, reports the Mirror.
The cast also features Tracey Ullman, Simbi Ajikawo and Emily Watson, along with Roger Allam.
Academy Award winner Murphy expressed his attraction to Porter’s writing, with the author also scripting Steve.
Jay Lycurgo as Shy, Cillian Murphy as Steve.
Porter and Murphy have previously worked together on the stage adaptation of Porter’s Grief is the Thing with Feathers and the short film All of This Unreal Time.
Speaking to Deadline about his first encounter with the book Shy, he shared: “Max gave me that book in a proof edition before he finished it, and again it just broke my heart.
“They’re the sorts of things I love as a reader and as a performer, so I really wanted to do something with him.”
The official trailer has already sparked a flurry of comments from eager fans.
@KabirM-k1n enthused: “Looks awesome! Anything with Murphy carries weight at this point.”
@Ballooey chimed in: “Looks awesome! ! ! Great job netflix!” Meanwhile, @ricsisule7802 couldn’t contain their excitement, stating: “This trailer is sick. Can’t wait.”
