The Wasteland Reviewer

Steve (2025) Written Review

How far would an educator go to make sure his students are getting the most support they can? This is a timeless story as many individuals in such a role spent all the energy they could to do right by their students. There have been specific stories as well that focused on white teachers trying to connect across cultural and racial barriers with their students of color. Not all those stories existed in the same challenging setting that is on display in the new Netflix release, Steve. Based on a novel called Shy, Steve follows a group of white teachers and counselors (led by Cillian Murphy’s titular protagonist) attempting to support their under-supported students who display challenging behaviors. Director Tim Mielants teleports his audience back to the mid-90s for this tale of a reform school in turmoil.

How does Mielants approach benefit Steve? The film, as mentioned, is a period piece from 25 years ago and Mielants (and company) do a great job of bringing this period to life. The cinematography is quite specific with a grain that makes it feel like video tapes from the 90s (yet still quite crisp in presentation). Robrecht Heyvaert (the director of photography) does an excellent job as well in crafting this docudrama vibe and atmosphere. This gives the film an added and essential layer of authenticity in how it presents its subjects. There is a visceral nature to this film and that becomes so significant when our tumultuous crew of adolescents get into fights, breakdown emotionally, or lash out at the individuals there to support them. This authentic and engaging experience balances humor, tension, and emotions quite well throughout the film. There are added layers of poignancy thanks to the affecting and moving score composed of Geoff Barrow and Ben Salisbury. Mielants delivers this film full of inspiration and heartbreak even if it does reach over the edge into melodrama at times.

How does the script from Max Porter translate onto the screen? This structure of being a single continuous period over a day or so really gives the film a sense of urgency and immediacy. The film does a nice job of balancing quite a few different characters both on the teacher/counselor side as well as the student side. But the film does balance on the parallel journeys of Steve (Cillian Murphy) and Shy (Jay Lycurgo). Steve (our titular protagonist) is quite a compelling character as he struggles so much with loss and the means in which he processes said grief. He is also a passionate and intense individual who creates some of the most uncomfortable (and sometimes over-the-top) moments in the whole film. There are plenty of rich dynamics and Steve does not pull punches in crafting complex struggles between the driven teachers who might not always fully “see” their students. As the film gets into its third act, there are some elements that go a little too unrealistic, but the climax has a grounding and impactful resolution.

How does the cast bring this harrowing true tale to life? Murphy is a charismatic performer who injects that overly confident vibe into his character while also leaving space for him to be a little too unaware of his lack of influence. There are also plenty of big scenes for Murphy to chew on and he delivers plenty of emotion (and sometimes a little too much rage). His foil is Lycurgo who delivers a layered and empathetic turn as Shy. The emotional depths this character must go on are quite impressive as he leaves quite the impact. Tracey Ullman, Little Simz, and Emily Watson all get to have their moments as other members of this staff as they navigate the harrowing day presented in the film. There are a few other stand-out performances from the students’ side of the cast as well including Luke Ayres, who is a powerful presence in the film with such attitude and physicality. This film would never reach the same emotional depth without this impressive ensemble.

Does Steve offer up a compelling and engaging new gem over on Netflix? The heavy subject matter of a reform school might be a bit too much for many of the more general audience but there is a strong drive to connect with so much of this film. Murphy is an excellent grounding rod for this whole endeavor with his powerful yet vulnerable presence. The rest of the cast and crew craft such a moving and “real” experience that will be hard to deny over on Netflix.