In 1990, Steve (Cillian Murphy) is a teacher at a school for boys with societal difficulties, battling himself as well as attempts to close the school down.

Murphy reunited with the director after Small Things Like These (2024) for a challenging portrait of a dedicated teacher who’s been trying hard to stay off the booze and Oxy, until this moment. Murphy is impressive as Steve, capably supported by Tracey Ullman as a colleague and Jay Lycurgo as a 17-year-old who’s ready to burst.

The handheld camera captures chaos and frenzy – sometimes impressively, sometimes predictably.

2025-Ireland-U.K. 92 min. Color. Directed by Tim Mielants. Screenplay, Novella: Max Porter (”Shy”). Cast: Cillian Murphy (Steve), Tracey Ullman (Amanda), Jay Lycurgo (Shy), Simbi Ajikawo, Emily Watson, Douggie McMeekin. 

Trivia: Co-produced by Murphy.