Written by Lara Dignard
In Blitz, director Steve McQueen shifts from grand narratives to a more intimate, gripping take on London under siege, using the relentless bombings of WWII as a backdrop to explore resilience and humanity. Saoirse Ronan stars as a young woman whose life is thrown into chaos by the nightly bombings, forcing her to navigate personal survival amid the constant terror and destruction.
Ronan’s portrayal is quietly intense, capturing the stoic resolve of her character while revealing glimpses of vulnerability as she faces the unimaginable pressures of wartime. Her performance grounds the film, bringing authenticity and depth to the role, and drawing viewers into the fragile, fractured world of London during the Blitz.
The film is crafted with McQueen’s signature attention to detail, from the dimly lit, claustrophobic interiors to the distant yet haunting sounds of air raids. His direction is unflinching, placing the audience squarely in the cramped shelters and darkened streets, underscoring the film’s themes of endurance and communal strength.
Rather than focusing solely on the vast destruction, Blitz draws us into personal stories of survival, relationships tested under pressure, and the moral questions that arise when life hangs by a thread. The supporting cast adds layers of complexity to the story, with each character facing the war’s brutality in uniquely personal ways.
However, Blitz occasionally leans too heavily on familiar wartime tropes, which can detract from the film’s otherwise nuanced storytelling. Some viewers may find the pacing uneven, particularly in the middle act, where the narrative slows and the focus on character-driven scenes overshadows the broader stakes of the Blitz. Additionally, while Ronan’s performance shines, a few of the supporting characters feel underdeveloped, leaving certain relationships and story arcs less impactful than they could be.
Blitz is a powerful, atmospheric piece that doesn’t just depict history but immerses viewers in the visceral experience of life during wartime. Ronan’s performance is a highlight, embodying the fortitude and vulnerability of those who lived through the Blitz, making the film not just a historical recounting but a deeply human story of courage and survival.
Photo credits to Apple TV+.