TIFF 2025 Review: Steve -“an interesting mix of cinéma vérité documentary style shooting with a hallucinatory drug and alcohol infused imagery.”

The head teacher at a reform school must contend with his own personal demons and public apathy while trying to bring some inner peace and wisdom to his delinquent students.

A sedentary life is not possible for Steve as he finds a wayward student in the middle of a field, plays host to a news film crew, humours a visiting member of parliament, contends with delinquents who have serious anger management issues, and contends with the realization that the reform school is going to be shut down.  Not surprisingly, he has indulged in some covert drinking and pill taking to take the edge off the sharp blade of anxiety and frustration that is prevalent in every waking minute.

There is an interesting mix of cinéma vérité documentary style shooting with a hallucinatory drug and alcohol infused imagery; the former is meant to place the audience in the middle of the volatile environment, while the latter is a visual representation of mental turmoil.  The glaze in Cillian Murphy’s eyes oozes with weariness and sadness.  Tracey Ullman proves that renowned comedic talent makes for solid dramatic actors.  At the centre of the chaos is Shy, performed by Jay Lycurgo who, like the others, can go from a vulnerable, sympathetic soul to absolute thug.

In truth, everyone is looking for a place to emotionally anchor themselves and the reform school provides a safety net for those who would otherwise be a danger to themselves and society.   Not everything is bleak as Steve is driven by the belief that there is beauty and potential to be found in each of the rough edges placed before him; what is more criminal is the public apathy that would rather have his charges written off as lost causes.

The 50th Toronto International Film Festival runs September 4-14, 2025, and for more information visit tiff.net.    

Trevor Hogg is a freelance video editor and writer who currently resides in Canada; he can be found at LinkedIn.