Steve
Netflix | Release Date: September 19, 2025 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
66
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 25 Critic Reviews
Positive:
12
Mixed:
13
Negative:
0

Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
100
VarietyPeter DebrugeSep 5, 2025
A profoundly moving and superbly acted diamond in the rough, Steve is better than anything the streamer has pushed for best picture to date. Read full review
85
The Daily BeastNick SchagerSep 5, 2025
A frenzied plea for compassion and a stirring tribute to the men and women who sacrifice their lives, and sanity, for those in need. Read full review
80
The TelegraphTim RobeyOct 3, 2025
As a feat of adaptation by Max Porter, from his 2023 novella Shy, it’s quite fascinating. Read full review
80
Radio TimesTerry StauntonOct 3, 2025
It’s high drama throughout and not always comfortable viewing, but Mielants and Porter use their canvas to shine a light on broader issues of social and educational systemic failure without once stumbling into preachiness. Read full review
80
EmpireMiriam BalanescuSep 18, 2025
Making full use of Cillian Murphy’s emotional range, Steve is a rallying, railing portrayal of a broken education system — and contemporary cinema’s worthy answer to Dead Poets Society. Read full review
80
The Hollywood ReporterDavid RooneySep 11, 2025
Moments of humor and rare quiet are essential to relieve the manic chaos that more often reigns in this unflinching but compassionate slice of social realism. Read full review
80
Next Best PictureNadia DalimonteSep 7, 2025
Led by a remarkable Cillian Murphy and featuring a stellar supporting ensemble, "Steve” strikes an empathetic chord by placing mental health concerns at the forefront of discussion. Read full review
80
Screen DailyNikki BaughanSep 6, 2025
While the entire cast impresses, standout performances come from Murphy and Lycurgo. They make it clear that Steve and Shy are two sides of the same coin, both shaped by past trauma and finding it almost impossible to exorcise their demons. Read full review
80
The GuardianPeter BradshawSep 5, 2025
A drama suffused with gonzo energy and the death-metal chaos of emotional pain, cut with slashes of bizarre black humour. Read full review
75
Washington PostTy BurrSep 18, 2025
The film ends with a plea for viewers suffering from depression and other mental health issues to reach out for help. “Steve” is a deeply compassionate drama of why they should. Read full review
70
Wall Street JournalJohn AndersonOct 2, 2025
The filmmakers may have refashioned the book to make it a vehicle for Mr. Murphy, and done so successfully. But they were right about the POV: Witnessing the turmoil of these very troubled youths through the frustrations of their teachers makes for more convincing drama than would a delinquent’s-eye view of the same situation. Read full review
63
RogerEbert.comBrian TallericoSep 6, 2025
The script fails to find depth in some of its most crucial characters, and sometimes feels performatively intense, but the Oscar winner for “Oppenheimer” shines throughout, adding subtlety and grace in places other actors would have ignored. Read full review
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