Cillian Murphy Stars as Headteacher in Netflix Drama Steve

The film "Steve," starring Cillian Murphy, is a British drama set in 1996 that follows a pivotal day in the life of Steve, the headteacher of a struggling boys' reform school facing closure. Adapted from Max Porter's novel "Shy," the story explores Steve's fight to save the school while managing his own mental health and addiction struggles, alongside the experiences of troubled students like Shy, who wrestles with violence and vulnerability. Directed by Tim Mielants, the film presents a raw, emotional portrayal of the challenges faced by educators and students in a forgotten community, highlighted by intimate teacher-student relationships and the chaotic environment of the institution. Murphy's performance has been widely praised for its depth and authenticity, reflecting his personal connection to the role as the son of teachers. The film employs narrative techniques such as video interviews and a dynamic ensemble cast to capture the intensity and complexity of this last-chance reform school. Overall, "Steve" is recognized as a compassionate and honest depiction of resilience amid adversity, though some stylistic choices in the filmmaking have drawn mixed reactions.