In ‘Steve,’ Cillian Murphy plays a committed teacher, riding out waves of trouble in class and inside his head

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The story of a rebellious student and a dedicated teacher who connects with them is a well-worn trope – one that feels predictable and could use a fresh perspective.

I have to say, “Steve,” with Cillian Murphy playing a really committed but clearly burdened headteacher, is a welcome breath of fresh air. It’s set in a tough reform school full of unruly teens, and the film tackles the chaos head-on with a surprisingly effective and spirited approach.

It’s become clear that teachers aren’t appreciated enough, and recent films and shows – like “The Teachers’ Lounge,” “Monster,” and “Adolescence” – are starting to honestly portray the difficulties they face. While the new film “Steve” feels a bit chaotic and doesn’t quite reach the same level of polish as those other works, its raw energy is striking and reminiscent of the impactful, challenging style of the late director Alan Clarke.

“Steve” is the second time actor Paul Murphy and director Tim Mielants have worked together, following their well-received 2024 film, “Small Things Like These.” Like that film, “Steve” is based on a book-this time, Max Porter’s “Shy.” Porter adapted his own novel for the screen, shifting the story’s focus from the troubled teenage protagonist to the teacher the film is named after. Oscar winner Murphy delivers another compelling performance, portraying a character filled with inner turmoil and haunted by guilt.

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At Stanton Wood, a school in the English countryside funded by a private benefactor, Steve’s kindness is central to everything they do. He and his dedicated team – including his straightforward second-in-command, Amanda (Tracey Ullman), and calm therapist Jenny (Emily Watson) – work to help troubled teenagers turn their lives around. However, it’s 1996 in Britain, and these volatile young men (played by a talented cast of newcomers and seasoned actors) often find escape in loud music like drum and bass, or through anger and physical confrontation.

Keeping the peace is a constant effort, and Steve’s friendly approach to calming things down shows how dedicated he is. Beyond the usual challenges of managing student behavior, he’s also dealing with a documentary film crew, a disastrous visit from a stuffy local politician (played by Roger Allam), and some troubling news from the school’s financial supporters. When Steve finally loses his temper with them, it’s clear his students aren’t the only ones capable of strong reactions.

Despite its genuine and intense portrayal of hardship, the film “Steve” feels disjointed and overly structured, preventing viewers from fully connecting with the characters’ struggles and small victories. While grounded in social realism, it’s hindered by excessive stylistic flourishes – like jarring visuals and a showy drone shot – and relies too much on quick, documentary-style storytelling techniques.

When the film focuses on its characters – like Shy during a difficult phone call with his mother, Steve battling his inner struggles, or when he’s fully engaged in the moment – it truly comes alive, capturing a sense of both excitement and raw emotion. At its strongest, the movie reveals why these people are determined to find hope and connection in a harsh and unforgiving world.

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2025-09-20 01:31