With the school year winding down and summer break approaching, there's no better time to dive into a compelling drama that resonates with themes of education, resilience, and human connection. Steve, the 2025 Netflix release starring Cillian Murphy, offers exactly that. Directed by Belgian filmmaker Tim Mielants and adapted from Max Porter's novella Shy, the film plunges viewers into the gritty, emotionally charged world of a last-chance school for boys with behavioral difficulties, set against the backdrop of the 1990s.

Plot and Setting

The story unfolds through the lens of a documentary crew as they arrive to capture a day in the life at a residential school on the brink of closure. Murphy plays Damien, the dedicated headteacher who must navigate the chaos of the institution while fighting to secure a future for his students. The school, a relic of a bygone era, is filled with boys who have been failed by the system—abandoned, misunderstood, and often feared by society. The narrative centers on Shy (Jay Lycurgo), one of the students whose story becomes the emotional core of the film. As the day progresses, we witness the raw, unfiltered interactions between staff and students, revealing the systemic failures that have led to this dire situation.

The 1990s setting is crucial, as it evokes a time before widespread digital surveillance and instant communication, when such institutions operated largely out of public view. The film's aesthetic—grainy textures, muted colors, and a sparse soundtrack—captures the period's melancholy, while the handheld camera work of the fictional documentary adds a layer of authenticity. This is not a polished Hollywood drama; it is a jagged, visceral experience that demands the audience's attention.

Cast and Performances

• Cillian Murphy as Damien: The empathetic but weary headteacher, a role that allows Murphy to showcase his full emotional range. From quiet moments of introspection to outbursts of frustration, his performance is both restrained and powerful.
• Tracey Ullman as Amanda: A stern yet compassionate staff member who provides a counterbalance to Damien's idealism.
• Jay Lycurgo as Shy: The central student, whose troubled past and vulnerability are brought to life with raw authenticity.
• Simbi Ajikawo as Shola: Another student, whose quiet strength hides deep trauma.
• Emily Watson as Jenny: A counselor who attempts to bridge the gap between the boys and the outside world.
• Roger Allam as Sir Hugh Montague Powell: The bureaucratic figure representing the system's indifference.
• Amy Cudden, Ruby Ashbourne-Serkis, Youssef Kerkour in supporting roles that add depth to the ensemble.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, Steve garnered widespread acclaim from critics, with a Rotten Tomatoes approval rating of 78% from 94 reviews. Critics highlighted Murphy's commanding presence and the film's unflinching honesty. Variety called it "a profoundly moving and superbly acted diamond in the rough," adding that it surpasses any other Netflix original in the best picture conversation. Empire Magazine praised the film as "a rallying, railing portrayal of a broken education system," while The Financial Times simply deemed it "brilliant."

The Daily Telegraph awarded it four stars, noting that at just 92 minutes, the film "adds vital layers without belabouring its points. In form, it's raw, jagged, even crude – choices that feel more truthful the longer you sit with them." However, audience scores were slightly lower at 66%, suggesting that the film's uncompromising style may not be for everyone.

Behind the Scenes

This collaboration marks the second time Cillian Murphy has worked with director Tim Mielants, following their previous film Small Things Like These, also based on a Claire Keegan novella. Mielants, known for his television work on Peaky Blinders and the film The Racer, brings a documentary-like realism to Steve. The script was adapted by Max Porter from his 2023 novella Shy, which itself was a meditation on juvenile delinquency and the failures of care. Porter's background as an author known for experimental prose (as seen in Grief Is the Thing with Feathers) infuses the film with a poetic yet gritty tone.

Themes and Social Commentary

At its core, Steve is a searing indictment of the education system and its treatment of at-risk youth. The film examines the tension between compassion and bureaucracy, highlighting the impossible choices faced by those on the front lines. The character of Damien represents the weary idealist, caught between the demands of the system and the raw needs of the boys. The film also subtly critiques the media's role in exploiting such stories, as the documentary crew serves as both observer and participant, raising questions about voyeurism and representation.

The title Steve refers to a recurring motif—perhaps a metaphor for every forgotten boy, a stand-in for those lost to the cracks. The novella's original title Shy reflects the central character's inward journey, but the film expands the narrative to encompass a broader critique. The 1990s setting is deliberate: it was a decade of austerity in the UK, when many special schools were closed or defunded, leaving vulnerable children without adequate support. The film resonates powerfully with contemporary debates about mental health services, social care, and educational inequality.

Where to Watch and Further Viewing

Steve is exclusively available on Netflix, having premiered on the platform in October 2025 after a limited theatrical release the previous month. For those who want to explore more of Murphy's collaborations with Mielants, Small Things Like These is also streaming on Netflix—a quieter, period drama set in 1980s Ireland about a man confronting a dark secret in his community. Both films showcase Murphy's remarkable ability to embody complex, morally ambiguous characters.

If you're in the mood for more of Murphy's work, you can find his iconic portrayal of The Scarecrow in Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins on Netflix and HBO Max. For a sci-fi deep dive, Danny Boyle's Sunshine is available on Disney+ and Prime Video, though it may be leaving the latter soon. Each of these films demonstrates Murphy's versatility, from blockbuster villain to indie darling.

The film's tight 92-minute runtime ensures a focused, intense experience that lingers long after the credits roll. It's a testament to the power of cinema to shed light on hidden corners of society and to celebrate the quiet heroism of those who fight for the most vulnerable. As the school year ends and we reflect on the challenges and triumphs of education, Steve serves as a poignant reminder of what truly matters: not test scores, but human connection, compassion, and the unwavering belief that every child deserves a chance.

Source: MSN News