With the spotlight shining brightly at the BFI London Film Festival, actress Saoirse Ronan has recently spoken out about her latest film, Blitz, which prominently features the tumultuous backdrop of World War II. This film, under the direction of Sir Steve McQueen, aims to capture not just the stark realities of wartime London but resonates deeply with the global conflicts gripping the world today.
Ronan expressed how shooting Blitz was particularly poignant, considering current world events. "Shooting this film felt incredibly relevant against the backdrop of conflict around the world," she stated, reflecting on the emotional weight carried by the narrative. The filming took place primarily in early 2023, just over one year after Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, which added layers of meaning to their scenes.
The film centers around the story of George, a nine-year-old boy played by newcomer Elliott Heffernan, who is among the many children evacuated from London during the Blitz to escape the bombings. George’s mother, portrayed by Ronan, is distraught over the child’s absence after he jumps off the train meant to take him to safety. The film is built around the family unit and the struggles faced when war disrupts the most basic of human connections.
At its premiere, Ronan walked the red carpet alongside co-stars such as Stephen Graham, Paul Weller, and Benjamin Clementine, highlighting the film's distinguished cast. While the film is one of the key players vying for next year’s awards season, it has not screened at prior festivals, keeping critics and audiences on the edge of their seats about its Oscars prospects.
McQueen, known for his award-winning film 12 Years A Slave, sought to tell this uniquely British story with deep emotional resonance. He was inspired by imagery he encountered during his previous project, the critically acclaimed TV series Small Axe. The director emphasized the significance of seeing war through the eyes of children: "Seeing war through kids’ eyes is kind of sobering. I feel as an artist quite useful, because it reminds us what we are losing, what we’re fighting for, and what truly matters - love and family."
This assertion underlines the film's overarching theme, which McQueen hopes will connect audiences across various backgrounds. He remarked, "I wanted it to be steeped in historical accuracy but also tell us about who we are as humans." The centrality of love during desperate times is beautifully portrayed through Ronan's character, whose heart-wrenching portrayal of desperation resonates with the audience as they witness her search for her son.
Ronan tackled her role as Rita with personal conviction, drawing on her own life experiences to convey the despair and fear of losing a child. "I could only pull from my own life experience of just loving something so much and imagining it being taken away," she explained. The emotional toll of her role added gravity to scenes, particularly when juxtaposed with live news of conflict broadcasted during filming. "When I would leave set, I would turn the radio on or put the TV on, and I saw it on my screen, it made it all too real," Ronan added, indicating how the current backdrop of turmoil lent powerful authenticity to her performance.
Despite its heavy themes, Blitz also highlights the resilience of family and community during the darkest of times. It advocates for the power of human connection and love, even amid chaos. McQueen’s focus on the emotional depth of his characters invites audiences to reflect on the personal ramifications of historical events. The film, set to release on November 1st across the UK, has already ignited conversations about its historical significance and relevance today.
The combination of McQueen’s directing prowess and Ronan’s powerful performance has captured the attention of both film enthusiasts and critics alike, making Blitz one of the most anticipated films of the upcoming season. With its promising narrative and emotional depth, it stands as not just another war film, but as a poignant exploration of humanity amid conflict.
