Every role Cillian Murphy takes on breathes an unspoken intensity, such as in Netflix's Steve. Through Murphy, one senses the tension of a man on the tightrope between a strict protector and a vulnerable heart. His eyes convey tempests, his silence brims over with significance, creativity, and dedication, weaving suspense in every beat. And with great on-screen payoff comes immense behind-the-scenes preparation, as Murphy himself has weighed in on. 

Cillian Murphy takes viewers closer to the process the actor undergoes for an epic transformation.

Cillian Murphy secluding himself, investing in isolation to bring this character to life, is no surprise, but the fact deepens admiration. In a recent interview with CBS Mornings, he explained that he always went through a meticulous research process, admitting he would generally lock himself away to get inside his character's mind. The Oscar-winner said that for most of his iconic roles, he preferred diving "deep into a research hole" for several months, adding "I lock myself away" into a private creative space, developing the role alone.

For Steve, however, Murphy chose to "jump out of the helicopter, just be like buffeted by the whole thing." He outlined taking a new approach by filming scenes in chronological order, which they unfolded to allow Steve's breakdown and tension to build up naturally, in the CBS interview. Steve presented him with a new opportunity to film a scene that, in the process, became "a rehearsal for the next," unlike what he was used to. For Murphy, the new process was "terrifying but also exhilarating" as he fought against over-rehearsal so his own performance could capture Steve's burden.

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Cillian Murphy's dedication resonated in each shot of Steve. With his immersion in place of isolation, he internalized the unwritten nuances of the character organically, offering a captivating performance.

Steve, helmed by Tim Mielants, is based on Max Porter's novella Shy, produced partly by Cillian Murphy's Big Things Films. With Murphy shouldering the lead role, Jay Lycurgo plays Shy, a troubled student, with Tracey Ullman, Little Simz aka Simbi Ajikawo, and Emily Watson. Juggling heavy themes of mental health, grief, and trauma, the film craftily exposes how humans' darkest inclinations lead to seclusion, while admitting shared imperfection welcomes empathy and connection. 

Set in the 90s, Cillian Murphy's Steve is the headteacher, responsible for maintaining order, hope, and dignity within the pressures of the institution and the ghosts of his own past at large. Tensions arise when a documentary team turns up with a member of the parliament, and Steve's own guilt and trauma emerge. Following its September 2025 theater premiere, Steve is now available on Netflix for streaming since October 3, 2025.

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