‘Steve’ review: Cillian Murphy is superb in uneven drama

By Isha Sharma | Oct 03, 2025 | 04:43 pm

**What’s the story?**

*Cillian Murphy’s Steve*, out now on Netflix, is directed by Tim Mielants, who previously collaborated with him on *Small Things Like These*. Based on Max Porter’s 2023 novella, *Shy*, the film traces a turbulent, nerve-racking day in the life of Steve, who’s the headmaster of a reform school for boys.

Murphy excels in his complex role, but the film leaves much to be desired.

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### Plot: Follows a committed, troubled teacher at a reform school

The film centers around Steve, the headmaster of Stanton Wood, a reform school for unruly male teens. His mental health is in tatters, the staff is underpaid and overworked, and the boys show little to no sign of progress.

One day, authorities inform Steve that the school will be closed in six months, leaving him to come to terms with this shocking, unfortunate news.

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### #1 Murphy delivers a stirring act

Murphy captures the ache, anxiety, and aggression of Steve exceedingly well—you can truly sense the storm brewing inside him. Steve wears himself out trying to help the kids, and Murphy essays this role with just the right amount of intensity.

He views this job as some sort of redemption: saving the boys would mean rescuing himself, too.

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### #2 The film has ambition, but not everything comes together

The film offers sharp dialogue and an ensemble cast of talented, experienced actors, including Emily Watson and Tracey Ullman. However, except for Steve, every character is underwritten and remains distant from the audience.

The ending does not help matters—it feels quite incomplete and leaves you frustrated rather than encouraging reflection.

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### #3 The movie begins to feel weary after a point

A sense of unbridled energy and chaos defines the film. Boys are fighting, teachers are struggling, and an exploitative documentary crew is conducting interviews. Everything happens simultaneously, and the school is in complete disarray.

While this energy works at first, it soon becomes overwhelming and exhausting, leaving viewers feeling drained rather than entertained.

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### #4 More on the above aspect

The film has an unapologetically raw and realistic feel, but it struggles to engage the audience. You stay with it because you want to see how Steve’s journey unfolds, but the wayward, sloppy writing never makes it easy.

The boys receive ample screentime, yet by the film’s end, we are none the wiser about them.

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### Verdict: Murphy’s performance alone can’t save the film

Cillian Murphy delivers a scintillating performance in *Steve* that leaves no room for complaint, but his artistic chops alone cannot save the movie. The film feels tiring and tedious, often on shaky, uneven ground.

Murphy’s performance is one for the ages, and the film is intense and gritty; however, overall, it is an unrewarding, unentertaining ride.

**Rating: 2.5/5 stars**
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