Netflix Releases Gritty Drama 'Steve' on 1990s Reform School

The Netflix drama "Steve," adapted by Max Porter from his novella "Shy," features Cillian Murphy as the troubled headmaster of a reform school for teenage boys in 1996. Directed by Tim Mielants, the film explores the challenges faced by both the staff and the students, highlighting mental health struggles, violence, and the societal neglect of disenfranchised youth. Murphy’s performance is widely praised for its depth and subtlety, portraying a man grappling with his own demons while trying to maintain order and hope within the school. The film integrates a documentary-style narrative, emphasizing the tension between institutional care and systemic failure, with a gripping and raw depiction of the environment. Supporting actors like Jay Lycurgo, portraying a student named Shy, complement Murphy’s intensity, and the film’s production elements, including an evocative score, contribute to its emotional impact. "Steve" serves as a poignant call to reevaluate attitudes toward reform schools and those they serve, underscored by its setting and social commentary.