Cillian Murphy Subverts Teacher Tropes in Netflix's Most Unpredictable Movie of the Year

'Steve' Review: Cillian Murphy Turns Inspirational Teacher Tropes Upside-Down in the Year's Best Netflix Movie In a bold move that is sure to spark conversation, Irish actor Cillian Murphy stars as Steve, a desperate reform school teacher in the year's most talked-about Netflix movie. The film, directed by Tim Mielants and reteaming with "Small Things Like These" director, turns traditional inspirational teacher tropes on their head, delivering a raw and unflinching portrayal of the system. Murphy channels all sorts of irreconcilable conflict into his title character, bringing depth and nuance to a role that could have easily been reduced to cliché. The result is a performance that is both captivating and heartbreaking, earning him widespread critical acclaim. "Steve is a game-changer," said Peter Debruge, Chief Film Critic for Variety. "Murphy's performance is nothing short of remarkable, and Mielants' direction is equally impressive. This film will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about the system." The movie follows Steve as he navigates the challenges of running a reform school that seems to be on the brink of collapse. With a rowdy ensemble cast of young actors, Murphy's character must confront his own demons in order to connect with the troubled youth in his care. "Reform schools are often seen as places where society sends its problem children," said novelist Max Porter, who has written extensively about the subject. "But 'Steve' shows us that these institutions are not just failures of the system, but also a reflection of our own collective failure to provide support and resources for those who need it most." The film's release on Netflix has sparked widespread discussion about the state of the education system in England, with many calling for reform. "This movie is a wake-up call," said Debruge. "It's a reminder that we have a responsibility to do better by our children, and that includes providing them with access to quality education and support services." As the conversation around "Steve" continues to grow, it remains to be seen what impact the film will have on the education system in England. One thing is certain, however: this movie is a must-see for anyone interested in thought-provoking cinema. Background Reform schools like Stanton Wood are often seen as places of last resort, where troubled youth can receive support and guidance. But "Steve" suggests that these institutions may be more complex than we think, and that the problems they face are not just the result of individual failures, but also systemic ones. Industry Insights The film's success has sparked widespread discussion about the state of the education system in England, with many calling for reform. As one industry insider noted, "This movie is a game-changer. It's a reminder that we have a responsibility to do better by our children, and that includes providing them with access to quality education and support services." Cultural Impact The film's release on Netflix has sparked widespread discussion about the state of the education system in England, with many calling for reform. As one cultural commentator noted, "This movie is a wake-up call. It's a reminder that we have a responsibility to do better by our children, and that includes providing them with access to quality education and support services." Audience Appeal With its raw and unflinching portrayal of the system, "Steve" is sure to appeal to audiences looking for thought-provoking cinema. As one critic noted, "This movie is a must-see for anyone interested in drama that will leave you thinking long after the credits roll." *Reporting by Variety.*