Fri Oct 03 12:20:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

“Steve,” a new Netflix film starring Cillian Murphy, focuses on a beleaguered head teacher at a British reform school in 1996 facing closure. Over a single, chaotic day, Steve struggles to maintain order while dealing with the school’s potential shutdown and his own past trauma, revealed through heavy-handed exposition. While the film features stylish direction and strong performances, particularly from the young actors playing the students, it ultimately suffers from a melodramatic and emotionally tiring narrative, focusing too heavily on Steve’s suffering rather than the complexities of the students themselves.

**News Article:**

**Cillian Murphy Exhausted in Clunky Netflix Melodrama “Steve”**

**[City, State] -** Cillian Murphy delivers a weary performance as Steve, the head teacher of Stanton Wood, a British reform school for boys, in the new Netflix film “Steve.” Set in 1996, the film unfolds over a single, tumultuous day as Steve grapples with the impending closure of the school and the challenging behaviors of his students.

Director Tim Mielants (“Small Things Like These”) employs a mix of vérité-style shots and stylized camerawork to capture the frenzied atmosphere of Stanton Wood. While the film boasts impressive visuals and strong performances, especially from young actors Jay Lycurgo and Luke Ayres as troubled students, critics are calling the film melodramatic and emotionally exhausting.

The film’s screenplay, adapted by Max Porter from his novel “Shy,” shifts the focus from the students to Steve’s struggles. Critics argue that this redirection leads to a grating narrative, where the film focuses too heavily on Steve’s self-sacrifice. The film’s plot is driven by the heavy-handed exposition about the character and the movie fails to allow the other characters and plot points to develop.

Tracey Ullman also stars. “Steve” is currently streaming on Netflix and is rated R. While the film features moments of compelling acting and stylish direction, it ultimately leaves viewers feeling as “very, very tired” as its protagonist.

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