Overview

• Steve premiered in Toronto’s Platform strand, with a theatrical release set for September 19 and Netflix streaming on October 3.
• Max Porter reworked his 2023 novella Shy for the screen, moving the narrative center from the teen Shy to headteacher Steve.
• Critics widely praise Murphy’s performance, with assessments ranging from enthusiastic to skeptical about the film overall.
• The ensemble features Jay Lycurgo, Tracey Ullman, Simbi Ajikawo and Emily Watson, drawing notice for committed supporting work.
• Reviewers point to a 1990s setting, a documentary-within-the-film device and frenetic verité camerawork that some find immersive and others find overbearing, as the story tackles institutional strain and youth mental health without tidy uplift.