Steve follows a single day at a struggling 1990s reform school, where headteacher Steve (Cillian Murphy) battles the looming closure and his own fragile mental state while a volatile student, Shy (Jay Lycurgo), wrestles with his past and uncertain future.

Given the character-driven focus of the movie, Steve ultimately succeeds or fails with the performances of its main cast. Fortunately, this is where it shines brightest. Both Cillian Murphy and Jay Lycurgo deliver standout work, capturing the drastic emotional swings that play out across one chaotic day. Their performances ground the story and bring an authenticity that keeps the audience invested.

The film does an excellent job of conveying the various emotional states its characters cycle through, and it would take the coldest of hearts not to be moved by their struggles. The steady deterioration of their mental health is emphasized throughout, creating a raw and deeply human portrait that many viewers will find relatable.

Outside of Murphy and Lycurgo’s roles, however, the supporting characters feel underdeveloped and underutilized. They function more as background pieces than fully realized individuals, which detracts somewhat from the overall quality and impact of the film.

Still, Steve remains a powerful and emotionally poignant drama, one that stands out among recent streaming releases. Bound to move many viewers to tears, it’s well worth checking out on Netflix this weekend.