As a rule, 90-minute Netflix A film shot in a small English rural school and in the title role in the title role can offer a learned story, but there is more than meets the eyes with Steve – And not in a good way. The subject of the film, of course, makes it heartbreaking hours, but awkward performance makes it especially complicated. It is so frantic, trying to highlight each character and solve many social problems that Steve cannot offer effective development on any front. Killian Murphy Shines like the director of the same name, but even his performance does not offer the redemption of the film.
Director Tim MilantsIN Steve He throws us on one fatal day at the reform school for boys -teenage with behavioral obstacles. Chaos is not unfamiliar for this place, but this day is more restless in the presence of a documentary crew, the purpose of which is to provide an institution, staff and students. Although the intentions of the team may first seem journalistic, their methods often turn out to be invasive. This puts an even greater load on Steve and other teachers and administrators (performed Tracy UllmanIN Little Simets And Emily Watson), which already reaches its limits as a result of the lack of state assistance and impending closing.
On the one hand, one cannot deny how much respect Steve He has teachers, social workers who carry out care, and everyone who devotes their professional life to those who push the systems to the fields, especially when the work itself requires so many of them physically and mentally. Mielats is building the basis for an exciting ecosystem, which is located at the intersection of the fragility and stability of mankind. He does not evade how ugly the work for the staff can be, but he is sure that he is even adamant – showing us that these boys deserve love and care just like everyone else.
On the other hand, however, this large area turned out to be overly ambitious. Author Max Porter adapts his own short story, ShyBut instead of focusing on the perspective of one student, like his book, Steve Trying to shine in the spotlight of almost everyone in school. Shy (Jay Lycurgo) remains an outstanding character, and Lycurgo shines in this role, but without a special focus, the members of the ensemble compete during the screen and the development of the narrative between the student and the teacher.
It does not help that the shape of the film seems almost too raw in nature, choosing the style of Cinéma vérite, which, perhaps, enhances the volatility of the behavior and circumstances of students. With a stable hand, this would be additive, but since Mielats stretches the focus so thin, desperately trying to cover several characters and plot arcs, the result is not enough. It is difficult to fix yourself in one character or plot for a long time to get any suitable in the already random world.
Nevertheless, Murphy and the police form a striking combo-actor-director. Following their joint work on Peak -shler and historical drama 2024 Such little thingsIN Steve Demonstrates the conviction of every artist for a characteristic of character and thematically relevant work. It is a pity that this film is not united in the same way as their previous projects, but their creative connection is clear and promising.
