Steve McQueen’s Blitz is the opening night film at the 2024 BFI London Film Festival, arriving with sky-high expectations. Written, produced, and directed by the award-winning filmmaker and artist, the World War II drama is set during the German air raids on London, with a cast led by Saoirse Ronan (Ladybird, Little Women), Stephen Graham (The Irishman) and newcomer Elliott Heffernan. Blitz seeks to explore both personal and collective trauma during the London Blitz, but the end result oscillates between impactful moments and underwhelming narrative execution.
Blitz tells a story of survival, resilience, and the emotional ties between a mother and son amid wartime chaos. The film follows George (played by Heffernan), a young boy who embarks on a dangerous journey through London during the Nazi bombing campaign. Separated from his family and thrust into peril, George’s mother Rita (Ronan) launches a desperate search for her child. Alongside her, we meet characters like Ife (Benjamin Clementine), an African raid guard symbolising the often-overlooked presence of people of colour during the war.
The film’s ensemble cast includes Kathy Burke and Stephen Graham, whose roles as Beryl and Albert—the petty criminals exploiting the havoc of the Blitz—veer towards the Dickensian in their grotesque, almost exaggerated villainy. Their presence injects a surreal Grand Guignol quality into what is otherwise a grounded portrayal of wartime London.
Visually, Blitz is stunning, and McQueen excels at recreating the harrowing reality of the Blitz. The terrifying bombings, the shattered remnants of the city, and the emotional toll on its citizens are rendered with striking authenticity. There are moments that are truly moving: the sight of survivors clinging together in air raid shelters, the eerie silence of a city in ruins, and the unwavering resilience of Londoners. These scenes showcase McQueen’s talent for compelling visuals, capturing both the devastation and spirit of wartime London.
Elliott Heffernan’s portrayal of George is impressive for a debut, offering a raw depiction of a child’s fear and bewilderment in the face of war. His innocence provides the emotional centre of the film, and much of the narrative unfolds through his eyes. While this childlike perspective lends immediacy and simplicity to the story, it also limits its depth. By channelling the experience primarily through George, McQueen creates a somewhat narrow emotional range, which at times feels overly simplistic or lacking in nuance.
Saoirse Ronan, in the role of Rita, delivers a solid performance. Though her portrayal is sincere and well-executed, this is far from her most memorable role. Legendary musician Paul Weller, in a smaller role as George’s grandfather, also delivers a commendable performance, adding another layer of emotional grounding to the film.
However, despite its visual grandeur and some touching moments, Blitz ultimately falls short of its potential. The narrative feels thin and the characters somewhat underdeveloped, leaving the film’s emotional impact inconsistent. While McQueen succeeds in evoking the terror and resilience of wartime London, the film struggles to maintain that emotional resonance throughout.
Though Blitz is not without its merits, it lacks the narrative strength to stand alongside McQueen’s previous work. The film’s technical achievements are undeniable, and the depiction of the Blitz is vividly realised. Yet, the storytelling doesn’t quite hit the mark. It’s not a failure, but it is a disappointment given the calibre of talent involved.
In the end, Blitz might wow viewers with its eye-popping visuals and slick production, but the story just doesn’t pack the punch it should. Despite all the ambition, this film feels like a missed chance — a glossy effort that never quite hits the mark.
