Steve is a wonderful surprise of a film. It’s about a headteacher in charge of a school for boys with societal and behavioral difficulties. Steve Murphy serves as headteacher at a school for boys facing societal and behavioral challenges. The film is based on a book by Max Porter called SHY. SHY thankfully transitioned into the film. 

The film marks Cillian Murphy's third collaboration with Belgian director Tim Mielants, following the impactful Irish drama Small Things Like These, released last year, and several episodes of Peaky Blinders. This drama addresses the issue of church-sanctioned abuse. Max Porter adapted the screenplay from his 2023 novella.

Cillian Murphy as Steve, a man who is dealing with his demons while trying to navigate some rough waters at the school. He grapples with guilt, addiction, and profound exhaustion as he attempts to manage a precariously underfunded and under-resourced institution. His performance is riveting, showcasing the intense struggle between searing pain and the self-control and measured disposition necessary to fulfill his responsibilities. He dedicates much of his time to mediating disputes and diffusing potentially volatile situations; however, he shows a genuine concern for the boys, who are vibrantly portrayed by a mix of professional actors and nonprofessionals. A poignant scene at the conclusion highlights Steve's connection with them, as he speaks of each boy with warmth and emotional depth, recognizing them as unique individuals rather than mere interchangeable parts of an intractable problem. The primary reason for shifting the focus from Shy to Steve is to underscore the close bond between the two characters, rather than to enhance the performance of the acclaimed actor.

This all takes place in 1996. The film unfolds over a single day, during which the ambivalence of both the authorities and the public toward human need is evident in the challenges that Steve and his minimal staff face.

If there wasn't already enough happening at the school, a camera crew has arrived to interview Steve about the school and his work. Sadly, they seem to capture moments at their worst and ignore any boundaries that Steve tries to set. 

Piling on to an already stressful day is a meeting with the school benefactors. Steve and his deputy chief, Amanda, played brilliantly by Tracey Ullman, learn that the board will be selling the property, leaving the boys homeless. Steve's already stressful job reaches another level of intensity.

At this point, things become more intense with Shy, poignantly portrayed by Jay Lycurgo. Shy is a kid who suffers from depression, listens to music at a high volume, and attempts to numb his pain with pot. After an intense phone call with his mother, his depression hits a new low. His mother informs him that she and his stepdad no longer want anything to do with him. 

“Sometimes you want to be four years old and start again but not fuck it up this time,” he states, realizing it may be too late for him after all; his mother just declared he’s disposable.

In the first half of the film, the audience is thrown into a world of chaos. Boys are yelling, a teacher has been verbally propositioned, and a BBC camera crew is present. Amid this turmoil, Steve tries to bring reason to the mess. It's all beautifully chaotic.

Cillian Murphy’s portrayal of Steve is outstanding. He struggles to maintain composure for his staff and the boys, yet he is gradually unraveling. The camera skillfully captures the tension in his face as he fights the urge to scream amid the relentless challenges he faces. 

Emily Watson is Jenny's school counselor. She has to prevail while her clients, the students, go from calm to erratic in less than 30 seconds. She must perform a delicate balancing act. Tyrone (Tut Nyuot) is currently on suspension for privileges. He was sexually inappropriate towards Shola (Simbi Ajikawo). He is enraged by his circumstances, and Nyuot does an impressive job of displaying the intensity. 

The film's heart and soul lie in its central themes and emotional depth. Jay Lycurgo delivers a performance as Shy that exemplifies why people attend film festivals. He possesses an undeniable charisma, as one might say. His vulnerability as a young man yearning for love and understanding is truly heartbreaking. We, the audience, become emotionally invested due to his incredibly tender portrayal on screen. We find ourselves rooting for the school, the boys, and most importantly, for him. It's truly one of the best performances of the year, and one prays that come awards time, people remember his name. 

Steve is challenging to watch because it makes you think about how we treat difficult kids who need more patience and understanding. It challenges the public to scrutinize the language used to describe these children and consider the responsibility we have to effect change. In an awards season filled with formulaic films, Steve stands out as a truly delightful revelation.

Steve will released in limited theaters on 9/19 and on Netflix on 10/3