Cast: Cillian Murphy, Tracey Ullman, Jay Lycurgo

Written By: Max Porter

Directed By: Tim Mielants

Release Year: 2025

Studio/Streamer: Netflix

Audio description Provided By:

Written By:

Narrated By:

What Is it?: Shot in the style of a documentary, a camera crew watches the youth at a juvenile detention center over the course of a day, focusing on their relationships, and how their mentor/teacher Steve hopes to change their bleak futures.

What Works: The format is certainly interesting as we’ve had so many films about adults trying to change the lives of misguided youth. It used to be quite a regular thing to see boys in prep schools, but I suppose on the other end of the socio-economic scale is rife with potential. You would think the performance here is Cillian Murphy, as he stands out in most everything he’s ever done. Here, he has to step aside for a bright new talent. Jay Lycurgo is the clear standout of the cast of bright new youth talent. His role of Shy has the same self assuredness that Jack Nicholson possessed in one Flew over The Cuckoo’s Nest, with that mischievous charm we got a few years ago from Dominic Sessa, but more dangerous.

Shy is the most magnetic of the bunch, drawing attention. The camera crew within the movie is trying to present a broad documentary,yet your attention is drawn constantly to Shy. he’s just that good. One of the best supporting actor performances of the year.

Not to spoil the end, but I was also fascinated with how the movie ended, after we had seen everything. It had Steve (Murphy) make a series of complimentary statements about each of the kids, making you wonder if they were genuine, or if he was almost ironically putting this out in the world.

So it’s up to you to believe whether or not the things he sees exist in these kids, and they can have a bright future ahead if they choose it. Either way, at least one of them should have a bright acting career ahead, if anyone watches Steve this awards season.

The Audio Description: Given the perspective and unique filming, overall this was a strong track.sometimes the actors talk to the camera, like a real documentary, and other moments they take a step back and allow a voyeuristic approach. either way, the track was solid.

Why you Might Like it: it’s an emotional movie, but not a total gut punch. It balances itself well while showcasing its talent. It’s likely going to get lost in a flurry of Oscar bait titles.

Why You Might Not Like it: It is adapted from a book, but even in that, it feels like other films.

Final Thoughts: Jay Lycurgo is a breath of fresh air, with a devil may care attitude, and a dangerous charisma that makes him one of the year’s best discoveries, and this one of the best performances of 2025.

Fresh: Final Grade: 8.1/10