Oscar-winner Cillian Murphy’s latest film, Steve, has quickly become a sensation since its world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival in September 2025. After a brief but impactful two-week run in theaters, the reform school drama landed on Netflix the weekend of October 4-5, where it immediately shot to the top of the streaming service’s movie chart in Ireland and began generating emotional buzz worldwide. The film, which holds a solid 77% Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes, has left viewers and critics alike deeply moved by its raw depiction of a broken school system and the unwavering dedication of teachers who refuse to give up on their students.
Steve is a reimagining of Max Porter’s 2023 Sunday Times bestseller, Shy, with the story’s perspective twisted to focus on the headteacher, Steve, played by Murphy. Porter himself penned the screenplay and serves as executive producer, with Tim Mielants directing and Murphy and Alan Moloney producing under their Big Things Films banner. The film takes place in the mid-1990s, unfolding over the course of a single, pivotal day at a UK reform school for troubled boys. As the day begins, the school’s closure has just been announced, and a documentary TV crew is on site, filming both students and staff as they navigate the emotional fallout.
Murphy’s Steve is a man under siege—not just from the outside world, but from within. As he fights to safeguard the integrity of the school and shield his students from the consequences of its impending closure, he’s also grappling with his own mental health struggles and the constant threat of relapse into addiction. The film’s official synopsis captures this tension: "A head teacher at a reform school struggles to keep his students in line while also battling with his own mental health issues." According to Deadline, Murphy brings an authenticity to the role that’s rooted in his own family history. "I grew up in a household where I saw the after effects of standing in front of 35 teenagers all day long while my mother was trying to raise four of her own, and they were both out at work. My grandfather was a headmaster. All my aunts and uncles are teachers. So I know that inside-out of that world," Murphy told the publication.
The ensemble cast includes Tracey Ullman, Simbi Ajikawo (better known as Little Simz), Emily Watson, and Jay Lycurgo, who delivers a heartbreaking performance as Shy—a troubled teen caught between a violent past and an uncertain future. As the day unfolds, Shy’s inner turmoil comes to a head, culminating in a suicide attempt that Steve narrowly prevents. The film’s climax is wrenching: after returning home to his own family, Steve climbs into his attic, a moment that’s been interpreted by some as a surrender to despair, and by others as a quiet testament to endurance. The symbolism of the Durdle Door, a natural limestone arch battered by the elements yet still standing, recurs throughout the film, serving as a beacon of hope for both Steve and Shy. As Daily Mail notes, "While the school will inevitably close, Steve has saved a life and the ultimate conclusion is the Durdle Door. It is used as a symbol of hope throughout the film and is of particular interest to Shy. Like him, the natural limestone arch has been battered by the elements, but it is still standing."
What makes Steve resonate so powerfully is its unflinching portrayal of a system in crisis. The closure of the reform school is not just a plot device, but a reflection of real-world issues. Max Porter, speaking to Esquire, emphasized the story’s urgent relevance: "Anybody reading this book now, who is awake, will see what the consequences of a place like Last Chance closing is. When you close youth clubs and social support systems in inner cities... these things are obvious and terrifying." The film’s fictional narrative is rooted in these pressing societal concerns, inviting viewers to consider the ripple effects of austerity and the erosion of support structures for vulnerable youth.
The reaction from audiences has been nothing short of extraordinary. Social media has been flooded with praise for the film’s emotional impact and the cast’s performances, especially Murphy’s. One viewer wrote, "#Steve is the best to come out of Netflix since #adolescence!! #CillianMurphy and all the kids are absolutely wonderful! The last scene brought tears to my eyes!" Another chimed in, "Steve is absolutely amazing! Also, the message behind the movie is precious. The movie is a blend of emotions and hope. So amazingly did the actors act that I enjoyed watching the movie. I would love to give credit to everyone, including Cillian Murphy." These responses echo the critical acclaim that has followed the film since its debut, with many calling it a career highlight for Murphy and a testament to the power of storytelling to spark empathy and conversation.
Of course, the film’s success owes much to the creative team behind it. Director Tim Mielants brings a steady hand to the project, balancing the intimate struggles of the characters with a broader commentary on the political and social forces at play. The decision to frame the story through the lens of a documentary crew adds a layer of realism and immediacy, drawing the audience into the claustrophobic, pressure-cooker environment of the school on its final day. The script, crafted by Porter, deftly weaves together moments of despair and resilience, never shying away from the complexities of trauma, addiction, and institutional failure.
For Murphy, the role of Steve is more than just another acting challenge—it’s a tribute to the unsung heroes who shape young lives in difficult circumstances. In a behind-the-scenes featurette shared with Deadline, Murphy paid homage to the teachers and carers who inspired his portrayal. "Those roles are particularly close to my heart given both of my parents are teachers," he shared, reflecting on the profound impact educators can have, even when the odds seem insurmountable.
As Steve continues to find new audiences on Netflix, its message remains clear: even in the face of institutional collapse and personal hardship, acts of compassion and courage can carry lasting significance. The film doesn’t offer easy answers or tidy resolutions—life rarely does—but it does suggest that hope can persist, battered though it may be.
With its timely themes, powerful performances, and emotional depth, Steve stands as a reminder of the importance of empathy and support for those who need it most. As viewers continue to grapple with its haunting final scenes and the questions it raises, one thing is certain: this is a story that will linger long after the credits roll.
