Cillian Murphy Turns Off the Phones on “Steve” — and the Crew Took Notice

When Academy Award–winning actor Cillian Murphy arrived on the set of his new Netflix film Steve, he brought more than his quiet intensity and razor-sharp focus. He also brought a rule: no smartphones allowed.

Murphy, who stars as well as produces the 92-minute drama, says the idea came straight from one of his longtime collaborators — director Christopher Nolan. “Nolan taught me this — when you’re working, you’re working,” Murphy told USA TODAY, before tucking his own phone away mid-conversation.

A Set Without Screens

The decision surprised some of the crew but quickly changed the atmosphere on set. Murphy admits he’s “terrible on [his] phone” in daily life, but says taking devices out of the equation was transformative.

“When we did it, especially with the younger actors, they loved it,” he said. “You’re fully present. It’s how we should be when we’re telling a story.”

The choice was also practical: Steve is set in the 1990s — long before smartphones and social media shaped our daily routines. For the cast, stepping into that pre-digital world felt more authentic when their own devices stayed out of sight.

Inside Steve: A Day in the Life of a Head Teacher

Murphy plays the title character, a weary head teacher at a boys’ reform school facing what he calls “the worst day anyone could possibly have running an institution like this.” The story unfolds over a single day filled with crises — from fire drills to an unexpected news crew filming a documentary.

The film explores how its lead character manages pressure, sometimes leaning on alcohol and prescription medication to cope. Murphy describes Steve as “a man filling unresolved issues with work,” but notes the story is ultimately about self-reflection. “You cannot help others until you help yourself,” he says.

Personal Roots in Education

To build the character, Murphy drew on his own upbringing in Ireland. His parents were both educators — his mother, Jane, taught French, while his father, Brendan, worked for the Department of Education.

“I saw the cost of that work — day after day, while raising four kids,” Murphy recalls. “And as a student, I saw how much it matters when a teacher truly connects with you.”

One teacher, novelist William Wall, helped unlock Murphy’s passion for storytelling. While Murphy first dreamed of being a musician, his early theater work satisfied his need to perform and eventually launched his acting career.

A Tradition of Focus

Murphy’s phone ban continues a quiet tradition in Nolan’s camp. The director is known for keeping sets distraction-free, encouraging cast and crew to fully inhabit their work. On Steve, Murphy says that focus created an energy unlike any other.

“In a world where we’re all distracted all the time,” he reflected, “it felt powerful to just… work.”

Steve is now streaming on Netflix.