I gotta hand it to Cillian Murphy. The Irish thespian snagged an Oscar in 2023, and instead of jumping into big, flashy roles just for the paycheck, he chose to focus on smaller films that tackle social issues he cares about. He also served as producer in this one and the film he did last year, Small Things Like These, a heartbreaking film that addresses Ireland’s hidden history with the Magdalene laundries. He teamed up again with Belgian filmmaker Tim Mielants, who directed his last film as well as the Peaky Blinders series, to highlight the vital role of teachers. Not just any teacher in a regular school, which is already a commendable job, but a teacher at Stanton Wood, a government-run reform college in the UK for troubled young men.
Max Porter wrote the screenplay based on his own novella titled Shy, which is named after one of the college students. The film shifted its focus to the headteacher of the college, Steve (Murphy), although Shy (Jay Lycurgo) remains a key character in the narrative. The story unfolds over a 24-hour period, possibly one of the most chaotic and intense days of Steve’s life. Every day is undoubtedly stressful for teachers like Steve, but the added pressure of a BBC documentary crew filming and interviewing both staff and students heightens the tension.
I have to say this movie may not be suitable for those with high blood pressure, as it can be quite overwhelming and upsetting to watch. The students exhibit uncontrolled anger, often engaging in fights and throwing tantrums at one another. I sometimes genuinely worry for the teachers because the altercations can become very violent. Nevertheless, Steve and his colleagues, Amanda (Tracey Ullman) and new faculty member Shola (Little Simz), remain patient with the boys, occasionally putting themselves in danger to intervene in the fights. Despite the challenges, the teachers genuinely care for their students, and their affection is evident. It’s understandable that Steve loses his temper when a government representative declares that the school is too expensive to run and that it will be closed in six months.
Murphy delivers a quietly devastating performance as a kind yet troubled teacher grappling with his own mental health challenges. Even if he wasn’t depressed initially, I’d think anyone would develop mental health issues after dealing with such troubled kids on a daily basis. He is one of those compelling and mesmerizing actors who can convey so much with just his eyes and facial expressions. Even in silence, we can feel his deep anguish as he reaches for hidden medication or a bottle one too many times. If I had to nitpick, though, I really don’t see the need for the car-crash backstory in Steve’s past. It feels a bit tacked on to add more dramatic moments between Murphy and Ullman.
I haven’t seen Lycurgo before, but the 27-year-old Brit shines in this role. Just like his more experienced co-star, Lycurgo also knows how to utilize his expressive eyes effectively; the scene of him on the phone with his mother just breaks my heart. There’s a particularly shocking yet humorous moment featuring the arrogant and out-of-touch MP (Roger Allam), who clearly lacks the ability to read the room. I haven’t seen Ullman in ages; she’s a comedienne who can deliver strong, dramatic performances. Meanwhile, Emily Watson as the school psychiatrist Jenny, sure knows how to make the most out of her limited screen time, just like she did as Mother Superior in Small Things Like These.
I read about Mielants’ distinctive ‘punk’ filmmaking approach, where he and cinematographer Robrecht Heyvaert employ frenetic handheld camera techniques and deliberately shaky visuals that reflect the characters’ intense volatility and raw emotions. While this style can feel gimmicky, that’s not the case here as it’s done to achieve that helter-skelter atmosphere. Occasionally, the film resembles a documentary, with interviews filmed to look like news clips from the ’90s. This style is particularly effective, as the subject matter resonates with authenticity, further amplified by casting non-professional actors to portray half of the students.
While Steve may not be a cheerful, feel-good movie, it certainly offers an immersive and emotionally intense social drama. At times, it can be difficult to watch, especially during a moment near the end that leaves me really anxious about the outcome. However, the climax delivers a satisfying resolution in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Although Steve may not reach the iconic status of John Keating from Dead Poets Society, this movie is definitely worth viewing for its profound message and outstanding performances.
Have you seen STEVE? I’d love to hear what you think!
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I think I have this on my Netflix watchlist though I have a hard time trying to find the time to watch films as this past week SUCKED because of visitors in my mother’s home and unexpected ones as they just overwhelmed me.
I’m so sorry that you’ve been having a hard time, Steven. Hope things improve for you soon, hang in there!
My mother has had enough. She realized that it was too much as she does not want them to return next year.
That is wise of her. Sometimes it’s best to put boundaries even on family and friends.
Yeah, all the gift-bombing didn’t help either as they wanted to give me t-shirts that I don’t need and food that I don’t eat. It was too much.
Gift-bombing even before Christmas?? Wow! I think some family members mean well but they end up suffocating us. I hear ya, I’ve been in the same boat with my relatives as well.
I saw the trailer of this one a while back and thought it looked interesting. I think I put it on my to watch list on Netflix. As for Cillian Murphy, I wonder if he’s going the same route as Daniel Day-Lewis did. After the success of The Last of the Mohicans, studios had offers out to him to appear in big budget action films and of course willing to pay him big $$$ but he walked away from all of those offers and kept starring in smaller art house films. He didn’t do another big budgeted film until Scorsese convinced him to play the villain in Gangs of New York. Maybe that’s how Cillian Murphy‘s career will be like for the next several years.
Yeah I think he could be going the similar route as Day-Lewis, though I hope he won’t suddenly announce retirement, ahah. I think it’s smart that he’s starting to be involved as producer, as he produced this one and the upcoming Peaky Blinders movie. I’m sure that one will make a lot more $$$ than this one, as the fan base is huge. I haven’t seen the series, but I will see the film, especially since Tom Hardy will be in it, too!
I don’t see Murphy retiring anytime soon. I mean, he’s coming back to 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. Danny Boyle already said that if that film is a success, the last film in the series will have Murphy’s Jim as the main protagonist. Also, I’m sure he’ll reunite with Nolan for another big event film. Maybe, he’ll play The Prisoner, the long gestating project that Nolan has been trying to get off the ground for several years now.
I remember I started watching Peaky Blinders a few years ago on a long flight to Spain. But I couldn’t get into it after a couple of episodes, so I stopped. Maybe, I’ll give it another shot. I was tired on the plane and maybe that’s why I couldn’t get into the show. I think Hardy is a series’ regular, so I’m not surprised he’ll be in the film version, too.
Well I certainly wouldn’t want him to retire!! Oooh The Prisoner sounds intriguing, is that based on a book?
I haven’t seen any of the series but I’m still curious to see the film version. I do love the latest SLOW HORSES though, man that show is just consistently excellent!
No, The Prisoner was a TV series from the 60s. Nolan has been wanting to turn it into a film for a long time, apparently he watched the show when he was a kid and he loved it. He planned to make the film way back in the late 2000s after The Dark Knight. If I remember correctly, he even got Russell Crowe to come onboard as the lead. But then a mini TV series remake of the show was announced and that pissed Nolan off and he abandoned the project. Some believe he was going to finally make it Oppenheimer but he went The Odyssey instead.
Just FYI, Peaky Blinders is a violent gangster show, so I assume the film version will be as brutal. I know you’re not into gangsters genre much.
As for Slow Horses, that’s a show I hope will become a film series if/when Apple decides to stop making the show.
I think the themes explored here deserve a longer and deeper inquiry. What we see here feels like an introduction to the daily challenges faced by those whose job is to pull troubled teens back from the brink, and a general depiction of male aggression and despondency. It does make you pause and spare a thought for the real-life counterparts in the tumultuous endeavour of youth reform.
Yeah I think a mini series might be a good format to explore the theme better, but the film is quite effective in showing us a glimpse of what it’s like caring for difficult students. It’s such a thankless job yet the teachers have such love for these kids, that’s admirable.
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High praise, Ruth. I’ll watch this, but I’m glad I read this review first.
I’ll be sure to be in the right frame of mind. It sounds worthy of Emmy noms for sure!
Have lots of fun at the festival!
Hello Resa!! Yes, anything with Cillian Murphy is great, even if the subject matter is a bit dark.
I got your email last night but too tired to open it after I got back from TCFF. I’ll reply sometime today, so excited to get an email from you! 🤩 XOXOXO
No worries about the mail.
I know you have the TCFF you are enjoying.
Cillian Murphy… I’ll keep an eye out!
XOXOXO
I sent out a reply a couple hours ago, hope you get it! Sending love and hugs your way XOXOXO
I just read it. I’ll answer tonight! Off to make dinner. XOXOXO
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