Tim Mielants’ New Project Is Almost Here — This Time Murphy Has Own Link to the Tale

After Small Things Like These left me in pieces, I was bound to pay close attention to whatever Tim Mielants and Cillian Murphy did next.

Now we have it: the trailer for Steve hints at a tense, intimate tale of burnout and quiet collapse. Murphy plays a teacher at a last-chance reform school, struggling to keep his institution afloat while unravelling himself. Adapted from Max Porter’s novel Shy — with Porter himself writing — it already promises authenticity.

A Return, but Not a Repeat

Early word says this is heavier, rawer, and more claustrophobic than their last collaboration. The cast includes Tracey Ullman, Simbi Ajikawo, and Emily Watson. And here’s the twist — Murphy is the son of teachers, which makes his portrayal of an exhausted reform school teacher feel that much more personal.

TIFF, Netflix, and a Director on the Rise

Premiering at Toronto International Film Festival in September, Steve will follow with a limited theatrical run before arriving on Netflix October 3. For Mielants, once known for underseen Belgian gems, this is another step into the spotlight — and possibly the deepening of a creative partnership with Murphy.