Steve (2025) Movie Review

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Steve – Movie Review

First Reaction – Steve is a brilliant reflection on mental health and the battles to understand it.

Director: Tim Mielants

Writer: Max Porter (Screenplay)

Cast

  • Cillian Murphy (28 Days Later)
  • Tracey Ullman (Into the Woods)
  • Jay Lycurgo (The Batman)
  • Little Smiz (Top Boy)

Plot: The story centers on Steve, a school principal, as he fights to save his struggling college and cope with his own mental health challenges. At the same time, a troubled student named Shy wrestles with his anger issues and emotional vulnerability, trying to break free from his difficult past and build a better future.

Runtime: 1 Hour 33 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: We’re introduced to Steve (Murphy), a headteacher who leads a college designed to help teenagers facing difficulties. These students struggle with a variety of issues, sometimes leading to aggression and mental health challenges. A film crew begins documenting the college as Steve works hard to ensure it remains open.

In other parts of the story, student Shy (Lycurgo) feels stifled and out of place, lacking the same lively energy as his peers. Meanwhile, the college itself is struggling financially, and the documentary might bring much-needed attention to its plight. However, Steve is currently preoccupied with his own personal challenges.

Verdict on Steve

Recap

The film centers around a school principal working to save his school for at-risk teens from shutting down. He invites a film crew to document the students’ challenges, hoping to raise awareness and gain support. Throughout the story, we also see the students’ personal struggles as they try to find their place in life.

Best Parts

This film portrays the difficulties of understanding mental health and the challenges faced by teenagers in the 1990s. It highlights the immense pressure on the school principal as he tries to maintain optimism. The acting is superb and really moves the story forward, demonstrating how many people were quick to ignore those who were struggling. A standout feature of the movie is its unsettling and frenetic energy, combined with a documentary-like approach, which effectively captures the realities of mental health at the time.

Final Thoughts –Steve is a perfect reflection of the struggles in mental health.

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2025-10-03 11:38