Steve

Steve is a relatively short film, running for about an hour and a half. The story unfolds over the course of a single day inside a school for minors who come from violent and troubled backgrounds. At its core stands the character of Steve, the head teacher, as he faces a long, emotionally charged day filled with professional and psychological challenges within a tense and complex environment.

What immediately stands out is the remarkable performance of Cillian Murphy, who once again proves himself to be one of the finest actors of his generation. His expressions alone carry a dramatic power that elevates every scene. Jay Lycurgo also delivers an honest and touching performance, adding emotional depth to the students that Steve interacts with.

The film's strength lies more in its social depth than in narrative entertainment. Steve doesn't aim to thrill the audience with fast-paced events or an intricate plot; instead, it wants you to feel the weight of reality and the pressure of working in such a demanding environment. It's a film that reflects society more than it tells a traditional story.

For that reason, it's not exactly a "movie night" kind of film, but rather a contemplative piece-the kind of work that feels right at home in festivals like Cannes, where films focusing on psychological and social realism are truly appreciated. The elements of entertainment are largely absent here; my personal taste leans toward films built on powerful moments, strong storytelling, and deep, meaningful themes - something this film doesn't fully deliver.

In the end, Steve is not an entertaining film as much as it is an honest and human one. It serves as a reminder of the importance of giving young people the chance to rebuild their lives.

My rating: 7/10.

Steve (Cillian Murphy), with his own mental health, drink and drug issues, is the passionate head of the Stanton Wood residential reform school for extremely difficult, angry kids. The film looks at one day at the school featuring a documentary film crew charting what goes on, a pompous visiting MP played by Roger Allam and the trustees looking to close the school amidst the usual anarchy.

Extremely well acted and scripted drama, with odd moments of comedy, some amazing camera work and with a tour de force central turn by Murphy. We watch him slowly deteriorate amidst the confusion eventually to start mirroring the behaviour of the boys, notably 'Shy' (Jay Lycurgo) who's hidden and bottled up that he's being disowned by his parents - this all eventually comes together in a dramatic climax. It's all very intense, compelling and convincing although I wasn't entirely sold on the ending. It's not a very easy watch, but it is worth it.

Good to see Netflix showing this visceral uncommercial piece. Cillian Murphy eschews his pretty boy persona to get to grips with portraying a caring involved principal of a challenging college for difficult youth. It's set in the 90's. It really could have been twice as long . The stress and complexities will ring true for teachers who care enough to try to deal with our societies failures: people with difficulties with mental health and unacceptable failures who would end up in prison or worse. Not only does he have all this to deal with but also has a historical trauma of his own. The ending is somewhat compressed and really could have been extended but all in all a worthy effort that draws you in .

Greetings again from the darkness. You know those days when it feels like you are being pulled in all directions, and nothing seems to go right? Welcome to 24 hours in the life of Steve, the headteacher at Stanton Wood, a reform boarding college for troubled/challenging young men. This is one of those days that feels like a week. Even before he walks through the front door, he's already getting pulled this way and that - a minute here, a quick decision there, a request for a sidebar, a need to run something by him. It's a relentless job, heightened by the presence of a BBC documentary crew.

Writer Max Porter adapted his 2023 novel "Shy" for the big screen, and the film reunites director Tim Mielants with Cillian Murphy (Oscar winner for OPPENHEIMER, 2023), his leading man from SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE (2024) and "Peaky Blinders". Murphy is one of the few actors who is somehow just as effective when he's not talking as when he is. It's a skill that benefits this film which is ... choose your preferred descriptive word ... frenetic, chaotic, hectic.

These students are certainly energetic and that energy often slips into a combative mode. The faculty spends an inordinate amount of time diffusing these conflicts. We only see bits and pieces of academic teaching, leaving the bulk of time devoted to life lessons and behavioral advice. Emily Watson plays the school psychiatrist/therapist, Jenny, and as with all the adults working at Stanton Wood, her heart is in the right place - regardless of the immense frustration that goes with the job. Tracey Ullman, flashing some dramatic chops, is Steve's most supportive co-worker - and quickly expresses her displeasure at his tendency to self-medicate. Lola (Little Simz) is the newest faculty member, and she has one particularly tense scene in the cafeteria ... proving her mettle in this environment.

The source novel is entitled "Shy", and although Steve is the focus of the film, the student named Shy (Jay Lycurgo, "Titans") seems to be a special case for Steve, and Shy's phone conversation with his mother is the most heartbreaking moment in the film. When it is announced that the school is too expensive to run and will be shut down in six months, the presence of a local official (Roger Allam) leaves little doubt that a political message is being delivered. A recurring element finds the documentary crew asking each participant to name three words that describe themselves. Steve's response: "very, very, tired". He looks it and we understand. Some nice camera work from cinematographer Robrecht Heyvaert gives us glimpses of a lovely world outside the walls of Stanton Wood, whereas inside the stress is palpable.

Premiering on Netflix on October 3, 2025.

Steve, portrayed brilliantly by Cillian Murphy, had something to say - he just didn't know how to express it.

The film tries to depict a single day in a linear way, yet its psychological segments disrupt that structure.

Still, the core idea is remarkable - thoughtful and original.

It begins strong and ends strong, but the middle feels confusing, leaving the audience waiting for something that never quite comes.

The cinematography is stunning, though at times a bit exaggerated.

In the end, Murphy's performance deserves a standing ovation.