Cillian Murphy's "Steve" Illustrates the Importance of Empathy

Last month The Toronto International Film Festival celebrated fifty years of operation. After half a century of showcasing new and talented voices in the world of film, the festival is still going strong, premiering some of the most exciting and anticipated films the industry has to offer. This year was perhaps one of the strongest years in recent memory, and among the slate was Tim Mielants' Steve, starring Oscar winner, Cillian Murphy.

Since winning the Academy Award for Best Actor for Oppenheimer, Cillian Murphy has only starred in two independent Irish films. 2024's Small Things Like These and 2025's Steve, both directed by Tim Mielants. After scoring the top prize in his profession, Murphy was being offered big roles left and right, so it's commendable that with all that demand he continues to prioritize independent films to tell the stories he wants to tell.

Steve is film where Murphy plays a teacher at Stanton Woods, a school for troubled young boys with behavioral issues, all while struggling with his own personal turmoil and the threat of the school's closure. The project also stars Tracey Ullman, Emily Watson, and British rapper, Lil Simz. The bulk of the cast consists of new, young talent playing the students of Stanton Woods, including some truly incredible performances by Jay Lycurgo and Tut Nyot.

Steve has similar themes to Freedom Writers and sometimes feels like a much less dark version of 2011's Detachment. The film received quite a bit of love at TIFF this year and premiered on Netflix on October 3rd.

Steve is a uniquely personal film for Murphy. Not only does it come from his home country, but he is also the son of two teachers and grew up witnessing the many ups and downs of his parents' profession. A role like this requires an actor with humility and a deep respect for the role of educators, in that regard Murphy was a perfect casting choice. The life of a teacher is a challenging one, especially those at alternative schools who are often hyper-aware of the struggles and personal lives of their students. Not to mention the constant threat of budget cuts in an age where the value of education is being regularly undermined, especially in the United States. Being an educator requires empathy as much as knowledge, and that is Steve's greatest strength.

Despite being a film about a teacher that takes place in a school, there isn't a single scene in Steve that shows students sitting down and learning in a traditional sense. Instead, teachers like the titular character are seen breaking up fights, pushing back against the school's closure, and having much needed heart-to-hearts with students.

The education systems in both the US and UK have often deal with criticism of being too rigid, antiquated, and not accommodating other styles of learning. The truth is that some people just learn a different way than others, but unfortunately these students are often left behind and deemed not as smart as their peers. Steve examines the daily lives of these students who simply need more care than others. Some areas offer alternative programs or schools but they are rarely adequately funded and often live under the constant threat of being shut down. The film is largely a commentary on the British education system and why these alternative programs are important and worth keeping around. But most of all this is a movie about empathy and the crucial nature of listening to those who are struggling.

While the subject matter is serious, Steve has an ever-present feeling of hope and perseverance and is just the kind of movie we need right now in an age where the value of education cannot be understated. Cillian Murphy gives yet another stellar performance in a film that will be a great choice for your next movie night.