Cillian Murphy and Tracey Ullman Discuss Their Roles in the Intense 1990s Remand School Drama ‘Steve’

In the new film ‘Steve,’ Cillian Murphy portrays a struggling headteacher in a chaotic 1990s remand school for troubled boys. The film explores the harsh realities faced by young men discarded by society, showing their emotional pain and turbulent lives in a system that often fails them. Written by Max Porter, the screenplay focuses on Shy, a violent teenager with a traumatic past. Murphy drew from his own experiences as a rebellious schoolboy to bring authenticity to his role. The film’s gritty, handheld aesthetic captures the raw energy of the 90s, blending emotional intensity with dark humor. Alongside Murphy, Tracey Ullman plays a motherly deputy headteacher, and the cast includes Little Simz, who also wrote a song for the film. Despite initial concerns about adapting Porter’s novel, ‘Steve’ becomes a powerful story about youth, care systems, and the impact of societal neglect. The film highlights the eternal struggles of young men, showing their vulnerability and potential for change. It serves as a stark commentary on the continued underfunding of care systems and the widespread stigmatization of teenage boys, making the film both timeless and highly relevant.