Debapriya Bhattacharya
Adapted by Max Porter from his novella ‘Shy,’ the Tim Mielants directorial ‘Steve’ stars Cillian Murphy as the titular character. Steve is the headteacher of a last-chance reform school in the 1990s. While he tries his best to reach out to youngsters whom society has abandoned, Steve struggles with his own mental health issues. Things are not helped by the school facing impending closure due to the reputation of its pupils. However, each one of them has their own stories about how they came to be here in the first place, and their own journeys to embark upon now that they are here. The Netflix drama explores the fragility of the human psyche and the inner turmoil of the social outcasts as they try to control their own impulses. If you’re drawn to the story, you can consider the following films similar to ‘Steve’ for your next binge.
10. Coach Carter (2005)
Directed by Thomas Carter, ‘Coach Carter’ retells the story of real-life Richmond High School basketball coach Ken Carter (Samuel L. Jackson). An alumnus of the institution, Ken returns in 1999 to take charge of the basketball team and manages to get them on a winning streak. However, his attention to their performance on the court parallels his concern for their performance in the classroom. When the grades of the players begin to suffer, he suspends them from playing in the championship so the players can focus on their studies. Like Steve Murphy, Ken Carter puts the needs of his charges ahead of everything else, even in the face of surmounting odds.
9. Music of the Heart (1999)
Based on the documentary ‘Small Wonders’ on the life of violinist and music educator Roberta Guaspari, ‘Music of the Heart’ is directed by Wes Craven. It follows Roberta (Meryl Streep) after her husband leaves her, and the depressed lady secures employment to teach violin to underprivileged children in Harlem, New York. She overcomes initial setbacks and becomes successful over time. However, the program is shut down a decade later due to budget cuts, forcing Roberta to reunite with her former pupils and organize a fundraiser. Roberta’s work with the marginalized people is reminiscent of Steve Murphy’s efforts in ‘Steve.’
8. The Holdovers (2023)
Helmed by Alexander Payne, ‘The Holdovers’ centers around Paul Hunham (Paul Giamatti), a classics teacher at the Barton Academy boarding school in New England. While unpopular among his students, Paul is forced to stay back on campus over the holidays to keep a few students who have nowhere else to go company. During this time, he develops a bond with Angus Tully, an intelligent but naughty pupil, as well as Mary Lamb (Da’Vine Joy Randolph), the cafeteria manager who has lost her son in the Vietnam War. The shifting perception of Paul among his students echoes the phenomenon witnessed in ‘Steve.’
7. To Sir, with Love (1967)
Based on E.R. Braithwaite’s autobiographical novel of the same name, ‘To Sir, with Love’ by director James Clavell stars Sidney Poitier as Mark Thackeray, a highly educated man who fails to get a job on account of being Black. He finally gets employed in a school in the East End of London, filled with rough and unruly characters. Over time, Mark breaks through their hostilities with his strong, calm, and sharp demeanor. Much like Steve, Mark goes the extra mile to educate his rowdy students and imparts the importance of good manners and self-care to them.
6. Lean on Me (1989)
Inspired by a true story, ‘Lean on Me’ is directed by John G. Avildsen and revolves around the Eastside High School in Paterson, New Jersey. When a rising drug trade and other criminal activities make the institution rank lowest in the state, superintendent Dr. Frank Napier (Robert Guillaume) entrusts former teacher Joe Louis Clark (Morgan Freeman) as the principal of the institution. From the get-go, Joe cracks down on the problems, determined to return the school to a quality place of learning. Joe’s determination to succeed is reminiscent of Steve’s determination against all odds.
5. Dead Poets Society (1989)
Set in 1959, ‘Dead Poets Society’ by director Peter Weir chronicles the arrival of a new English teacher, John Keating (Robin Williams), at Welton Academy, a fictional elite boarding school. While the school is known for its orthodoxy and high regard for traditions, John helps students to break the mold and channel their creative spirit, learning to fall in love with the subject. While this makes him a favourite among his students, he draws the wrath of the school officials and some of the parents, who wish their wards to walk down a career path that has been laid out for them. As in ‘Steve,’ the film shows the teacher tackling great odds to continue inspiring his students.
4. The Ron Clark Story (2006)
Directed by Randa Haines, ‘The Ron Clark Story’ stars Matthew Perry as the titular real-life educator, who leaves his hometown in North Carolina and takes up a job at Inner Harlem Elementary School in New York City. Using his extensive teaching experience, he attempts to make a difference in the lives of the marginalized youth in the new rough neighborhood. Ron willingly takes on the challenge to better shape their life, much like Steve Murphy in ‘Steve.’
3. Dangerous Minds (1995)
Based on the autobiography ‘My Posse Don’t Do Homework’ by former Marine Louanne Johnson, the John N. Smith directorial ‘Dangerous Minds’ chronicles her time as a teacher at Carlmont High School in Belmont, California. Louanne (Michelle Pfeiffer) takes charge of a class filled with rowdy students from a racially segregated and economically poor society. Assessing the situation, she decides to utilize her military training to help the students lead better lives. Like Steve Murphy, Louanne takes matters into her own hands when it comes to the benefit of her students.
2. Stand and Deliver (1988)
Helmed by Ramón Menéndez, ‘Stand and Deliver’ retells the true story of Jaime Escalante (Edward James Olmos), a mathematics teacher at James A. Garfield High School in East Los Angeles. Facing troubles from both his students and his bosses, Jamie decides to teach his class higher mathematics in a desperate attempt to mellow them down. His plan works exceptionally well, and his students end up acing Advanced Placement Calculus. However, owing to their reputation, their scores are questioned, and the students are asked to retake the test to prove themselves to the critics. Much like Steve Murphy, Jamie stands by his students despite the odds that come their way.
1. Freedom Writers (2007)
‘Freedom Writers’ director Richard LaGravenese adapted the book ‘The Freedom Writers Diary,’ compiled by Woodrow Wilson Classical High School teacher Erin Gruwell and her students from their actual diary entries for English class. The narrative follows Erin (Hilary Swank) as she attempts to connect with her students by assigning them relatable reading materials and encouraging them to keep journals. Similar to ‘Steve,’ the students that Erin is in charge of are considered to be irredeemable by the majority of people. However, Erin refuses to give up on them and pushes forward the best way she can.
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