Steve Movie Review (2025)
Gritty and chaotic, Steve, a film about 24 hours at a reform school for boys in the 1990s, is a slow burn that eventually sets the house on fire.
Over the last 25 years, Cillian Murphy has become one of those actors who I love to watch on screen. It doesn’t matter what he does – whether it’s Red Eye, Peaky Blinders, or Breakfast On Pluto – he always brings a nuanced performance. So when I see that he is in something new, I don’t even care what it is, I’m going to end up watching it.
Steve is a film that focuses on 24 hours at a residential reform school for boys. Set in the 1990s and primarily following the headmaster, Steve, as he meets with other staff members, touches base with various boys, and attempts to battle his own demons, there is constant physical and mental mayhem. There is also a film crew on the premises for the day.
This drama is the kind of movie that grows on you. It was somewhere early in the third act when I realized that I was wholly emotionally invested in the boys, what the staff deals with, and the school. I definitely appreciated the first two acts, but it was a (very nice) surprise to me when I noticed that I was hoping for certain things for some characters and genuinely worried for others.
The movie takes place from the morning of one day through the morning of the next. It is broken up as the time of day flashes on the screen occasionally to let you know that it has now been awhile (or has only been minutes) between events.
There is a perpetual sense of commotion and unrest throughout the film and with almost every character. Shot in a shaky-cam style, you never feel settled, although you begin to get used to it – just as everyone else you’re watching has. The chaos and unsettled feeling is the norm here.
While there are some excellent performances by Cillian Murphy, Tracey Ullman, Emily Watson, and all of the actors in the film, it is Jay Lycurgo’s character, Shy, who really stands out to me. Wounded and self-sabotaging, Shy is a kid that you desperately want to embrace, if he would only let you. The conflict that you watch play out in his eyes – this is a man with a serious career ahead of him.
Music also plays a central role in the movie, with intense beats, heavy metal, and techno playing at various times. In one sequence, as the score runs, there are some gorgeous visuals of the pond turning upside down, the camera floating through the school to fly by various things in action, and kids playing on a sports field in the rain. There is another shot to look for where there is a reflection of one person sleeping in one window next to a second window with someone walking outside. It’s really beautiful.
Steve is a hot-blooded film full of energy and turmoil, but it also has subtle notes of love and connection. You have to look for them sometimes, but they’re there – just like working with a troubled child.
Runtime: 93 minutes
Motion Picture Rating: R
Languages Spoken In The Film: English
Should You Watch It? Yes
Did I Cry? Nope
My Rating: 3.75/5 Stars
Available: Free on Netflix
