Steve McQueen’s film Blitz, streaming on Apple TV+, presents a poignant narrative of World War II through the eyes of 9-year-old George, who ventures from London to the countryside for safety but is determined to reunite with his mother and grandfather. Inspired by a striking photograph, the film explores themes of family, identity, and resilience amidst the harsh realities of war, while addressing issues of racism. With a powerful soundtrack and immersive settings, it offers a profound reflection on love and survival.
Exploring the Heart of War Through a Child’s Eyes
Steve McQueen’s latest film, Blitz, now streaming on Apple TV+, offers a poignant look at the Blitz from the perspective of a young boy named George, who is just 9 years old. Set against the backdrop of World War II in London, we follow George on an extraordinary journey as he is sent by his mother, Rita, to find safety in the English countryside.
However, George’s determination to reunite with his mother and grandfather, Gerald, in East London drives him to embark on a perilous adventure. Meanwhile, Rita, consumed by worry, sets off on her own quest to find her son.
A Vision Sparked by a Haunting Image
The inspiration for Blitz came from a powerful photograph discovered during McQueen’s research for his series Small Axe. The image of a young black boy alone on a train platform, weighing down with a large suitcase, captivated McQueen and led him to ponder the child’s story amid the chaos of the Blitz. In the film’s press kit, he reflects, ‘Who was this child? What was his journey during the Blitz?’
In Blitz, George, portrayed by Elliott Heffernan, represents the thousands of mixed-race children who were sent to the countryside to escape the bombings. Against the odds, George defies orders and makes his way back to London, embarking on a dangerous quest to find his mother, played by Saoirse Ronan, and his grandfather, portrayed by Paul Weller. Through George’s journey, McQueen delves into the strength of families enduring the harsh realities of war.
As a child of London, McQueen has long been fascinated by the Blitz, viewing it as a pivotal moment in British history. His experiences as an official war artist in Iraq in 2003 further shaped this narrative, leading him to explore how conflicts mold communities. ‘War reveals our best and worst traits,’ he observes, a theme that resonates throughout Blitz.
The film also highlights the issue of racism within a nation combating Nazi ideology. As George navigates a world fractured by prejudice, he grapples with his identity as the son of a white mother and a Caribbean immigrant father. ‘He sees things as they truly are,’ McQueen explains. This harsh reality contrasts with the warmth of family bonds and the unwavering spirit of a mother who fights for her child.
To evoke the emotional weight of the Blitz, McQueen collaborated with renowned artists like Hans Zimmer, who crafted a soundtrack that intertwines fear with hope, and Adam Stockhausen, who helped recreate iconic settings such as a bombed subway station. By utilizing both real and constructed locations, the creative team aimed to reflect the pain and resilience of Londoners, encapsulating a world caught between life and death. ‘It’s a state of limbo,’ McQueen summarizes.
By centering the narrative on a child’s experiences, Blitz transcends traditional war films, offering a universal tale of love and survival. Through George’s innocent perspective, the film encourages us to confront the grim truths of history and perhaps gain a deeper understanding of our contemporary world.
Blitz is available for viewing on Apple TV+ and MyCanal.