Blitz: A Heartfelt WWII Drama of Hope and Perseverance

“Blitz” Overview

Director: Steve McQueen
Genre: Drama
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 120 minutes
Platform: Apple TV+

Plot Summary

“Blitz” follows a mother, Rita (Saoirse Ronan), and her son George (Elliott Heffernan), as they face separation during wartime in London. With Germany bombing the city in WWII, George must leave London and travel to the countryside with other children. Their farewell is emotional; Rita urges George to be a good boy, to which he defiantly responds, “I hate you.” Despite this, George feels fear and uncertainty as he embarks on this journey alone.

During his trip, George jumps off the train and returns to London on foot. His adventures resemble those found in a Charles Dickens novel, filled with both danger and discovery.

Themes and Visuals

Steve McQueen’s direction shines through in his thoughtful portrayal of hope amid chaos. He captures both the beauty and despair of wartime London, highlighting scenes in subway stations and bombed neighborhoods. A striking detail in the film includes a sequence where the camera follows a rock down a bustling street.

The film also features jazz club scenes that explore Rita’s past with her deported husband, Marcus (CJ Beckford). It addresses themes of diversity and racism, reflecting the complexities of life in London during the war.

Performances

Saoirse Ronan delivers a strong performance as Rita, a factory worker and part-time singer. However, the film primarily focuses on Heffernan’s character, George, whose journey is central to the story. He brings depth to the character, illustrating the challenges and resilience required to face adversity.

Final Thoughts

“Blitz” is a poignant story about struggle, perseverance, and maintaining hope in dire circumstances.

Grade: B+
Content Advisory: The film includes themes of racism, violence, some strong language, brief sexuality, and smoking.