“Steve” on Netflix: A Well-Intentioned But Ultimately Frustrating Portrait of a School on the Brink
Netflix’s ”Steve,” directed by Tim Mielants and starring cillian Murphy, arrives with a weighty premise: a day in the life of a reform school for troubled teenage boys facing closure. While the film’s heart is undeniably in the right place, aiming to illuminate the dedication of educators working with marginalized youth, its execution ultimately falters, resulting in a frustratingly disjointed and emotionally distant experience. Despite a compelling central performance from Murphy, “Steve” struggles to coalesce into a truly impactful narrative.
The film plunges viewers into the chaotic reality of a school grappling with dwindling resources and the looming threat of shutdown. A documentary crew’s presence adds another layer of pressure, their ostensibly journalistic intentions frequently crossing into invasive territory. This heightened scrutiny impacts Steve (Murphy), the headteacher, and his dedicated staff – portrayed with nuance by Tracey Ullman, Little Simz, and Emily Watson – who are already stretched to their limits. Mielants skillfully establishes the precarious ecosystem of this institution, a space where fragility and resilience collide. He doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities faced by those working within the system, acknowledging the immense physical and emotional toll.
“Steve” deserves credit for its genuine reverence for educators, social workers, and caregivers. It’s a profession frequently enough overlooked, yet vital in supporting those society often pushes to the periphery. The film correctly identifies the inherent paradox: these young men, frequently enough labeled as “tough,” desperately need – and deserve – the same love and care as anyone else. However, this broad thematic ambition proves to be the film’s undoing.
Adapted from Max Porter‘s novella “Shy,” the screenplay deviates from the source material’s focused perspective. While the book centered on a single student’s experience, “Steve” attempts to illuminate the stories of nearly everyone within the school’s walls. Jay Lycurgo delivers a strong performance as Shy, but the film’s insistence on juggling multiple characters and storylines dilutes the emotional impact.Rather of a deeply felt exploration of one boy’s journey, we’re presented with a series of fragmented narratives competing for attention.
This lack of focus is exacerbated by the film’s stylistic choices. Mielants employs a cinéma vérité approach, aiming for a raw and immediate feel. While possibly effective, this technique inadvertently amplifies the volatility of the students’ behavior and the school’s inherent disorder. Without a stronger narrative anchor, the film feels adrift, making it difficult for the audience to connect with any single character or plotline. The relentless energy, intended to convey the school’s constant state of crisis, ultimately becomes exhausting.
Despite these shortcomings, the collaboration between Murphy and Mielants remains a compelling draw.Their previous work together on “Peaky Blinders” and the critically acclaimed “small Things Like These” demonstrates a shared commitment to character-driven storytelling and tackling complex social issues. The undeniable chemistry between actor and director is evident in Murphy’s nuanced portrayal of Steve, a man burdened by responsibility and driven by a quiet determination.It’s a testament to their talent that even a flawed film like “Steve” contains moments of genuine power.
Ultimately, “Steve” is a well-intentioned but ultimately frustrating film. It raises crucial questions about the challenges facing educators and the needs of vulnerable youth, but its overly enterprising scope and stylistic choices prevent it from delivering a truly resonant emotional experience. While Cillian Murphy‘s performance is a highlight,it’s not enough to redeem a film that feels stretched too thin and ultimately lacks a clear focus.
