Pursuing his penchant to explore different approaches to familiar topics, writer-director Steve McQueen looks at the impacts of World War II’s Nazi bombings on London in the movie Blitz. McQueen primarily focuses on what it means to nine-year-old George when his mother follows protocol and sends him off with other children to a supposedly safer region. Stubborn and independent, George jumps off the train and tries to work his way home—not an easy task for a nine-year-old and infinitely more difficult during the second world war. Along the way, George meets helpers and hinderers, a cornucopia of people and manners to deal with war. Meanwhile at home, Mom displays her own rebellious spine, allowing for appropriate screen time since the always-impressive Saoirse Ronan plays her. Ronan expands her repertoire by singing and dancing, plus displays requisite motherly love for young Elliott Heffernan as son George. Wide eyed and cute, Heffernan makes a suitable central figure in a project that combines a sweeping historical event with an intimate personal story. The mix works, no surprise since McQueen showed similar skills and took home a producing Oscar for the best picture winner 12 Years a Slave. With Blitz, he recreates a detailed look at London of 1941, featuring period costumes, vehicles, and the devastating effects of repeated bombing in a war-torn region. As writer, McQueen comes up with an absorbing approach, though without making the story’s final moments 100 per cent emotionally resonant. Plus points far outweigh the finale, making Blitz a worthy historical exploration.
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