Blitz, the opening film at the 2024 BFI London Film Festival, represents a more mainstream direction for Steve McQueen, the director behind such intense films as Shame and 12 Years a Slave. Set during the devastating London bombings of World War II, the film captures intimate stories of Londoners caught in the chaos.
McQueen often pulls the camera back to show the vast scale of destruction, offering a visual style reminiscent of Gone with the Wind. The film contrasts moments of hope and horror, echoing the emotional depth of Empire of the Sun through the eyes of a young boy.
The narrative follows Rita, a munitions worker played by Saoirse Ronan, and her son George, portrayed by newcomer Elliott Heffernan. Rita sends George on a train to the countryside to escape the bombs, but he soon jumps off, determined to make his way back home to Stepney Green.
His journey, filled with youthful adventure and trauma, runs parallel to Rita’s struggles to survive and search for her missing son. The episodic structure allows for an exploration of both the physical and emotional toll of war.
Visually, the film is a striking blend of old-world epic and modern sensibilities. The muted color palette and soft-focus shots of the countryside create a sense of serenity that is abruptly shattered by harrowing and immediate set pieces. The film’s visual aesthetic combines grandeur with intimacy, enhancing its portrayal of the war’s impact on both individuals and the larger community.
Themes of race, class, and gender play a key role in the story. McQueen highlights the tensions within the community, as systemic prejudices and divisions emerge.
For instance, a white family segregates people of color while taking shelter in the London Underground, and Stephen Graham’s portrayal of a looter adds a layer of moral complexity to the narrative. These darker moments contrast with the resilience and warmth of the East Enders, who find ways to gather, sing, and support one another despite the destruction around them.
As the film progresses, George’s mental state begins to unravel, presenting his trauma in a surreal and heightened way. McQueen powerfully conveys the intensity of his experiences without veering into sentimentality.
Instead, Blitz celebrates the strength of the human spirit, showing how, even in the face of overwhelming adversity, hope and survival persist. Set for release in select UK cinemas and US theaters on November 1, and streaming on Apple TV+ by November 22, Blitz promises to be a gripping and emotionally resonant film.