Steve Review – Cillian Murphy Delivers a Ferocious Performance in Reform School Drama
Cillian Murphy shines in “Steve,” a compelling and ofen brutal drama set within the walls of a reform school,recently screened at the Toronto film festival. The film plunges viewers into a world of volatile energy and simmering tensions as it follows Steve (Murphy), a teacher grappling with a challenging class and a crumbling institution.
The school is a pressure cooker, populated by boys constantly on the verge of conflict, engaging in aggressive verbal sparring that frequently escalates to physical violence.Amidst this chaos, the quiet intelligence of Shy (Jay Lycurgo) stands out. the film’s title shift from the source material subtly emphasizes the parallel between teacher and student, highlighting their shared struggles.
Supporting Murphy and Lycurgo are Emily Watson as a school counsellor and Little Simz as a new teacher, both tasked with navigating the school’s turbulent habitat alongside Steve. The film doesn’t shy away from depicting the harsh realities of the school’s atmosphere, showcasing the constant need for order amidst perpetual unrest.
A especially devastating day unfolds as a local TV news crew arrives to film a segment on the school, coinciding with a visit from a local MP (Roger allam). This external scrutiny occurs immediately after Steve receives the news that the school buildings are to be sold and the school abolished, with no prior consultation with staff. Simultaneously, Shy receives heartbreaking news from his family, who wish to sever ties with him.
“Steve” powerfully portrays the pervasive sense of rejection experienced by both staff and students. The film illustrates how Steve, after years of patience, tolerance, and walking the line between authority and friendship, has become deeply entrenched in the very environment he’s trying to manage – arguably it’s most troubled resident. While colleagues are affectionate and respectful of his dedication, they also share the concern they would have for any of the boys, aware of his struggles with drink and substance abuse. His frustration culminates in a violent outburst towards the trust chair upon learning of the school’s closure,mirroring the behaviors he attempts to curb in his students.
The news crew’s interviews capture the raw emotion of the day. Steve’s contribution, filmed at the beginning of the film, is so visibly distressed that it initially feels like a police procedural or true-crime documentary. The students, meanwhile, appear almost invigorated by the attention, with one offering the chilling advice: “Always carry a blade.”
The film offers a glimmer of hope in a poignant sequence featuring Shy, accompanied by a sympathetic voiceover from Steve reflecting on the boys. While this moment provides a degree of emotional resonance,some may find it slightly softens the film’s overall intensity.
Murphy and Lycurgo deliver outstanding performances, leading a strong ensemble cast.
“Steve” will be in cinemas from September 19th and available on Netflix from October 3rd.
