Headteacher's Desperate Battle to Save Troubled Boys' Reform School

On October 3rd, 2025, a new film titled 'Steve' is drawing attention for its raw, intimate portrayal of the challenges facing a headteacher at a reform school for troubled boys. Set in the mid-1990s, the film follows Steve (played by Cillian Murphy), a weary but dedicated headteacher who is doing everything in his power to keep the school from falling apart.

The reform school is facing the threat of closure, a round of inspections, and the daily chaos of managing boys who carry deep anger and pain. In the midst of this, Steve's relationship with a quiet, troubled student named Shy becomes the emotional heart of the film. Their interactions showcase both the possibility of care and the danger of collapse within the crumbling institution.

Adding to the tension is the arrival of a documentary crew, whose presence makes every misstep feel like it might be caught on camera. With the events of the film unfolding over a single tense day, the audience is immersed in the overwhelming pressure Steve faces as he fights to hold the school together.

Cillian Murphy's performance as Steve is the driving force behind the film's success. His portrayal is controlled yet deeply felt, conveying the exhaustion and strain of a man who wants to help but is being pulled apart by the system's failures. Newcomer Jay Lycurgo matches him as the enigmatic Shy, their scenes together brimming with both danger and tenderness.

'Steve' is a small-scale but powerful drama that refuses to offer easy answers. It shines a light on the systemic issues that leave both children and adults struggling within institutions that lack the time and resources to truly support them. While the film may be uncomfortable for some viewers, its raw, human approach leaves a lasting impression.