Oscar winner Cillian Murphy is set to star in the movie adaptation of Max Porter’s bestselling novel Shy.

The film, titled Steve, follows the story of a head teacher facing the closure of a reform school where he works. As he struggles to fight for the education of his students, he also grapples with his own mental health.

The story is told in parallel with his student Shy, portrayed by Jay Lycurgo, a troubled teen caught between his past.

With Murphy and Lycurgo (Generation Z, The Batman) are Tracey Ullman (The Actor, Curb Your Enthusiasm), Simni Ajikawo (Top Boy, Venom: Let There Be Carnage) and Emily Watson (The Legend of Ochi, Dune: Prophecy).

Alan Moloney, Cillian Murphy and Tina Pawlik serve as producers while Max Porter executive produces. The film features music by Ben Salisbury and Geoff Barrow. 

Steve will premiere in select theaters on 19 September and on Netflix 3 October.