Director Steve McQueen’s «Blitz» Offers a Fresh Perspective on Wartime London

In a departure from traditional World War II narratives, the new film «Blitz,» now streaming on Apple TV+, shines a spotlight on the often-overlooked experiences of women and children during wartime London. The film stars Saoirse Ronan, known for her roles in period dramas, as Rita, a working-class mother who sends her son George, played by newcomer Elliott Heffernan, to the countryside to escape the German blitzkrieg bombings.

«Blitz» is directed by Steve McQueen, the Oscar-winning filmmaker behind «12 Years a Slave.» In an interview with USA Today, McQueen explained his motivation for creating a film that focuses on the domestic sphere rather than the battlefield. «He took a story we thought we knew and showed us a completely different side,» Ronan remarked. «The fact that he chose to make a mother and child the heart of the movie is so powerful.»

While «Blitz» is predominantly fictional, McQueen based its characters and events on meticulous research. One inspiration came from a photograph he encountered of a young Black boy waiting to be evacuated at a train station. This image became the catalyst for George’s character. Despite not identifying the real boy, McQueen incorporated this moment to reflect the diverse experiences of people during the Blitz.

The film also highlights the women who McQueen describes as «the backbone» of wartime Britain. While men were fighting, women like Rita managed households, cared for family, and contributed to the war effort by working in factories. McQueen underscored the significance of portraying these often-ignored stories in cinematic history.

One of the film’s gripping scenes is the depiction of a flooded metro station during an air raid, inspired by a real incident from October 1940 which resulted in numerous casualties. This event, alongside the bombing of Café de Paris, where over 30 people died, including bandleader Ken «Snakehips» Johnson, adds to the film’s historical depth. McQueen confirmed the authenticity of these harrowing events, ensuring they were reenacted with factual accuracy.

Saoirse Ronan shared the emotional challenges of filming such intense scenes, noting the atmosphere of panic during shooting. «The fear of war is not knowing when it’s going to end or if you’re going to live another day,» she said, reflecting on the psychological impact portrayed in «Blitz.»

In crafting the film’s production design and costumes, McQueen collaborated with Adam Stockhausen and Jacqueline Durran, ensuring a faithful recreation of 1940s London. McQueen emphasized the importance of using real sets and authentic costumes to lend credibility and depth to the narrative.

Through «Blitz,» McQueen seeks to explore the complexities of British identity and the «Blitz spirit» by showing a diverse range of perspectives during the war. The director’s intent to provide a narrative centered around «real life» rather than traditional cinematic tropes brings a fresh and profound understanding of this historical period to audiences.