In a recent interview about his latest film, “Blitz,” director Steve McQueen opened up about the inspirations and objectives behind this poignant wartime adventure. The film features Saoirse Ronan as Rita, a single mother grappling with the chaos of World War II, reminiscent of classic stories like “The Railway Children.”
McQueen characterizes “Blitz” as a homage to the Blitz of 1940, aiming to blend accepted historical imagery with a contemporary, revisionist perspective. He sheds light on the complexities of that era, particularly the British authorities’ contradictory attitudes towards the diverse communities within the Empire and Commonwealth. “I wanted to challenge the overly sentimental view of how the working class responded,” he noted. “While they showed remarkable bravery, their struggles often went unnoticed, especially regarding their safety during air raids.”
Ronan’s portrayal of Rita is both powerful and nuanced, despite the character’s limited emotional range. Rita resides in East London with her father, played by Paul Weller, and has a biracial son, George, brought to life by Elliott Heffernan. She works in a munitions factory, and a pivotal moment of courage inspires her to sing on a morale-boosting BBC radio show. However, the film doesn’t shy away from the brutal realities of the time. “It captures the fears and tensions of that period, particularly the racism many endured,” McQueen explained.
As the narrative unfolds, George embarks on a courageous journey back to London after being evacuated, leading him to a series of significant encounters, including a moving moment with a Nigerian ARP warden played by Benjamin Clémentine. “Through their experiences, I wanted to express the spirit of resilience and the community’s fight for survival,” McQueen remarked.
While he acknowledges that the film takes broad strokes in its historical representation, McQueen stresses the importance of maintaining an unpretentious and relatable tone. “In capturing that Ealing or Children’s Film Foundation essence, I aimed to create something that feels substantial and grounded,” he stated.
“Blitz” had its world premiere at the London Film Festival and is set for release in select theaters on November 1, followed by streaming on Apple TV+ starting November 22. “It’s not about delivering a shocking radical statement; it’s about telling a specific story in a way that resonates,” McQueen elaborated. “Artistic expression can take many forms, and this was the journey I wanted to embark on.”
