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Steve is a 2025 drama film directed by Tim Mielants and written by Max Porter, based on his 2023 novella Shy. The film stars Cillian Murphy, Tracey Ullman, Jay Lycurgo, SimbiAjikawo, and Emily Watson.
Steve had its world premiere in the Platform Prize section of the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, and was released on 3 October 2025 by Netflix.
Steve is a headteacher in charge of a school for boys with societal and behavioural difficulties.
Transcript
00:00Steve. Movie Review. Today, we are diving deep into a film that has already captivated critics
00:08and viewers alike. It's a powerful drama, a quiet storm of emotion, and a story that truly makes
00:14you think about how we handle the most difficult young people in our society. We are talking about
00:20the film Steve. This isn't your typical action-packed blockbuster. This is a story of heavy
00:27emotion, incredible acting, and a challenging environment. It's the kind of film that stays
00:32with you long after the screen goes dark. If you are looking for cinema that moves the
00:37spirit, then this breakdown is for you. Stay tuned as we unwrap the deep layers of this
00:43unforgettable picture. First, let's look at the brilliant minds who brought this intense
00:48story to life. The film Steve is a 2025 drama. It was directed by the highly acclaimed Tim
00:56Neelance. Neelance is known for his sharp, observant style and his ability to draw profoundly moving
01:02performances from his actors. He doesn't shy away from difficult topics, and his direction
01:08here promises a raw, unfiltered look at a tough educational setting. The story itself comes
01:14from a literary foundation. The film is based on the 2023 novella titled Shy. The film's screenplay,
01:22which translates this intricate book onto the screen, was written by the author of the novella
01:27himself, Max Porter. This close connection ensures that the film retains the depth, tone,
01:33and true spirit of the original written work. When the original author adapts his own work,
01:39you can be sure the core message remains intact. The creative team here is clearly aiming for quality
01:45over spectacle. They want to tell an honest, vital story. The combination of Melan's sensitive
01:52direction and Porter's authentic writing creates the perfect foundation for a powerful motion picture
01:57experience. A film with such a high emotional core requires actors who can carry that weight.
02:04Steve certainly delivers an incredible lineup of talent. The title character, Steve, is played by the
02:11Phenomenal Actor Killian Murphy. Murphy, known for his ability to convey deep emotion with just a look,
02:17is perfectly cast as the head teacher grappling with immense pressure. His portrayal is expected to
02:23be subtle, yet profoundly intense, showing the exhaustion and dedication of a man trying to save
02:28troubled young souls while perhaps losing a piece of himself. His presence alone elevates the gravity of
02:34the film. The supporting cast is equally impressive, featuring a mix of respected veterans and
02:41exciting newer talents. The cast includes the legend Tracy Ullman. Ullman brings her remarkable
02:48dramatic range to the picture. Her role is likely one that offers wisdom or perhaps a stern realism to
02:54Steve's idealism. We also have Jay Lykergo, a rising performer known for his dynamic energy.
03:02His role as one of the boys or a key staff member will bring a youthful intensity to the school
03:06environment. Another great addition is Simbi Ajikawa. Ajikawa is known for her compelling work
03:14across different mediums and adds another layer of emotional depth to the ensemble. Her character may
03:20serve as a colleague or a voice of reason within the turbulent school. Finally, the incredible Emily
03:26Watson rounds out the main cast. Watson, with her history of portraying strong, resilient characters,
03:33will undoubtedly bring a necessary grounding force to the staff room. This ensemble cast,
03:38Murphy, Ullman, Lecurgo, Ajikawa, and Watson, is a dream team. Their combined presence signals a
03:45serious, character-driven drama that promises exceptional performances in every scene.
03:50Now let's talk about the heart of the story and the central conflict. The film focuses entirely on
03:57the world of Steve, the main character. Steve is a head teacher, the principal, in charge of a very
04:03specific and highly challenging educational institution. This is not a regular high school.
04:10This is a school for boys with societal and behavioral difficulties. This setting is crucial.
04:16It means the students are not just misbehaving, they are dealing with deep-seated problems,
04:22often stemming from difficult backgrounds, trauma, and a society that has failed them.
04:27These young men are volatile, often misunderstood, and extremely challenging to manage.
04:33Steve's job is not just to educate them, but to manage their intense emotional outbursts,
04:38mediate conflicts, and essentially serve as a last resort before these boys are lost entirely.
04:43The weight of this responsibility rests solely on his shoulders. He is trying to create a place of
04:50structure and care in an environment that constantly threatens to spiral out of control.
04:55The film explores the relentless, isolating nature of Steve's role.
05:00Every day is a battle to keep the school running, to keep the boys safe, and to maintain his own sanity.
05:06The narrative likely delves into the ethical dilemma Steve faces,
05:09When do you show tough love? When do you need to be compassionate?
05:15What happens when a boy's past trauma clashes violently with the rules of the institution?
05:20The drama is born out of this constant, high-stakes negotiation.
05:25The film promises to explore several powerful themes.
05:29One major theme is redemption.
05:31The school itself is a place of last chance, aiming for redemption for these troubled boys.
05:36But the film also looks at whether Steve himself is seeking redemption,
05:40perhaps from a past failure or a deeply personal sorrow.
05:44The boys and the headteacher are intertwined in a search for meaning and a second chance.
05:50Another key theme is isolation.
05:52Despite being surrounded by students and staff, Steve's position is inherently lonely.
05:58He has to make the hardest choices, and the responsibility cannot be shared.
06:02The film is expected to show the toll this takes on him, the late nights,
06:07the constant stress, and the blurring line between his personal life and his demanding work.
06:13Behavioral difficulties are also central.
06:16The movie will offer a compassionate, non-judgmental look at why these boys act out.
06:21It asks the audience to look past the aggressive actions and see the pain and fear underneath.
06:27It's a plea for understanding and better resources for those who need them most.
06:31The film becomes a powerful commentary on the failings of the wider social support system.
06:38The initial reception for Steve suggests this is a piece of serious, prestige filmmaking.
06:43The motion picture had its official global debut, its world premiere,
06:47in the platform prize section of the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival.
06:53The Toronto Festival is one of the most respected showcases for new cinema in the world,
06:57and being selected for the platform prize section indicates that the film is highly regarded for its artistic merit and originality.
07:05This premiere created significant buzz around Cillian Murphy's performance and Melon's direction.
07:11Following its festival success, the film was released on October 3, 2025, by the major streaming service Netflix.
07:18This wide release ensures that this important story reaches a massive global audience quickly.
07:25The early word from critics has been overwhelmingly positive,
07:29particularly praising the authentic atmosphere of the school and the nuanced, powerful lead performance.
07:34It is clearly a film that uses its dramatic structure to explore real-world problems with grace and intensity.
07:40It is being heralded as a standout drama of the year.
07:46Steve is shaping up to be far more than just a drama film.
07:50It is an intense character study of a man trying to hold on to hope and order in a world defined by chaos.
07:56It's a powerful examination of the marginalized youth in our society and the unsung heroes,
08:01the educators, who dedicate their lives to helping them.
08:04With a stellar cast led by Cillian Murphy and guided by the strong vision of Tim Melon's and Max Porter,
08:10this film is essential viewing for anyone who appreciates deeply emotional and thought-provoking storytelling.
08:16We encourage you to seek out Steve on Netflix.
08:20It's a journey into the human spirit that you won't soon forget.
08:24Have you read the original book, Shy?
08:27Or are you a fan of Cillian Murphy's intense dramatic work?
08:30Let us know what you think about this film in the comments section below.
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