Steve Movie Review: Cillian Murphy Shines in Raw Tale of Compassion and Chaos

Director Tim Mielants’ 2025 Netflix drama Steve is a quietly devastating character study that lingers long after the credits roll. Cillian Murphy stars as Steve, a headteacher guiding young men with deep-seated behavioural issues, while navigating the collapse of his own life over the course of a chaotic day.

Adapted from Max Porter’s novella Shy, the film avoids the cliché hero-teacher arc, instead finding its power in small acts of kindness and the silent strength of believing in someone else. Ultimately, Steve focuses not on fixing a broken system but on the fragile work of mending people through human connection.

A Radical Act of Empathy

Steve tackles mental health with unflinching honesty. Students like Shy wrestle with rejection and inner turmoil, their pain visible in every glance. Steve and his deputy Amanda meet these struggles with unwavering empathy, highlighting that even small gestures of understanding can be transformative.

Mielants portrays this emotional labor authentically—caring deeply is exhausting, yet it’s framed as a radical act of hope. The intimate moments—like a hand on a shoulder or a quiet word of encouragement—shine through the film’s raw chaos.

A Powerful Ensemble

Cillian Murphy delivers a masterclass, portraying a man on the verge of unravelling. His quiet intensity, hesitant smiles, and subtle gestures convey a complex mix of strength and fragility. He is not a hero but a man whose deep belief in his students is breaking him.

Jay Lycurgo as Shy provides raw energy and vulnerability, creating electric chemistry with Murphy. Tracey Ullman’s Amanda brings warmth and humour, while Emily Watson offers a tender counterbalance. Simbi Ajikawo, Douggie McMeekin, Youssef Kerkour, Priyanga Burford, Ruby Ashbourne-Serkis, and Roger Allam further enrich the ensemble, making every scene authentic.

Unflinching Exploration of Compassion

The film’s raw visuals and driving drum-and-bass soundtrack mirror the emotional turbulence of its characters. Its intimate, documentary-like style allows simple acts of kindness to resonate profoundly.

Steve avoids neat resolutions, leaving viewers to wrestle with hope and doubt—a narrative honesty reminiscent of films like Dead Poets Society (1989) or Sitaare Zameen Par (2025), but darker and less resolved. The movie celebrates compassion while acknowledging its emotional cost.

Resonant but Repetitive Narrative

While the gritty intensity and pulsating soundtrack amplify the story’s emotional weight, occasional repetition of classroom chaos or outbursts slightly slows the momentum. Nevertheless, Murphy’s magnetic performance and the ensemble’s authenticity keep Steve compelling.

Conclusion

Steve is essential viewing for anyone who values human connection and empathy. Murphy’s portrayal of a devoted, weary headteacher leaves a lasting impression, reminding us that even amidst chaos, a single act of being truly seen can change lives.

Released on Netflix on October 3, 2025, the film earns 3.5 out of 5 stars for its raw, compassionate storytelling and remarkable performances.