Steve (2025) review

The first thing I noticed is the look. Circular bokeh lenses are used, film grain is very evident, and there are interchanging shots that feel like old film or documentary footage. It immediately gives the film a rough, lived in texture. The camera work is chaotic. It pulls you straight into the environment. You feel the disorder, the noise, and the emotional instability of the place. It fits the story because this is a world full of out of control, angry, and damaged kids. Steve is interesting to watch. He’s applying something like How to Win Friends and Influence People in real life, using charisma, patience, and care to connect with the boys. Bagay na bagay kay Cillian Murphy yung role. He looks exhausted in a way that feels real, parang matagal na niyang dala yung bigat at sakit ng mga batang inaalagaan niya. Jay Lycurgo is also very good here as "Shy". At first he feels quiet and withdrawn, but eventually you realize pareho rin pala sila ni Steve. He numbs himself and avoids dealing with his own problems. The suicide scene is heavy. It hits hard because you see that they’re both drowning in depression, just in different ways. Overall, the film reminded me of 13 Reasons Why in tone and subject matter. Raw, uncomfortable, and emotionally draining, but sincere in how it portrays broken people trying to survive each other.