Oscar-winning director Sir Steve McQueen aims to shift audiences’ focus from their everyday distractions with his new film Blitz, which will open the London Film Festival today. The film, set in World War II London, tells the story of a child’s experience of war, with McQueen hoping it will prompt viewers to “refocus our gaze” on the harsh realities faced by children living through conflict.
Starring Irish actress Saoirse Ronan, Blitz follows her character, a mother desperately searching for her son, George, after he returns to London despite being evacuated to the countryside for his safety. Nine-year-old George, played by Eliott Heffernan, offers a child’s perspective on the devastation of war, which forms the heart of the story.
McQueen highlighted his goal to explore how adults respond to the innocence of a child caught in war. “Seeing war through a child’s eyes—at what point do we as adults look away?” McQueen asked, urging reflection on the human cost of ongoing global conflicts.
McQueen has been developing the concept for Blitz for over a decade, but he admitted that recent global conflicts, such as those in Gaza and Ukraine, have made the story feel “even more urgent” to tell now.
Diverse Wartime London
Blitz also offers a fresh perspective on wartime London, reflecting the city’s diversity during that era. One of the characters, Ife, a Nigerian air raid warden, is based on historical research conducted by McQueen’s team. McQueen explained, “I’m not interested in pointing anything out, I’m just interested in telling the truth… Central London was quite cosmopolitan.”
The film’s authenticity extends to its portrayal of the terror experienced by civilians during air raids, from the deafening sound of approaching bombs to the scramble for shelter. McQueen emphasized the importance of making these experiences feel real for modern audiences, hoping the film’s impact would pull viewers away from their digital devices, even for a short time.
“I saw this photograph of a boy in an oversized coat and suitcase, standing at a railway station waiting to be evacuated, and I thought, ‘That’s my in,'” McQueen shared, explaining how a single image inspired the film’s protagonist and overall theme.
A Timely Message
While the events of Blitz take place during World War II, McQueen believes the film’s themes are just as relevant today. “Hopefully, it can help in one way, shape or form…and take people off their iPhones for five minutes or so,” he said.
Blitz is set to release in cinemas on 1 November and will be available globally on Apple TV+ from 22 November.
Related topic:
How Many Versions of King Kong Are There?
What Is The Sicario Movie About?
How Old Was Heath Ledger When He Played The Joker?