Blitz Review: A Journey Through London’s Devastation and Resilience During WWII

World War II, often remembered for its larger-than-life heroes and battles, was a time of destruction, fear, and bravery that shaped the course of history. But while countless films have spotlighted the battlefield, few have focused on the lives of everyday people. “Blitz,” directed by Steve McQueen, flips this script, immersing us into the heart of London during the harrowing days of the Blitz in 1940. This film is not about soldiers on the frontlines; it’s about mothers, children, and minorities caught in the chaotic devastation of war, and how, despite it all, life finds a way to push forward. Let’s dive deep into this emotionally charged narrative.

The London Blitz: More Than Just Bombs Falling

The Blitz, which started in September 1940, was a terrifying eight-month period when German forces relentlessly bombed London, destroying homes, schools, and lives. But as McQueen’s “Blitz” illustrates, this wasn’t just about physical destruction. It was about the emotional wreckage and the struggles of those left behind to pick up the pieces. The film opens in the middle of this fiery chaos, with buildings turning to skeletal remnants as bombs rain down from the sky. Firefighters battle towering flames, the air thick with panic, while civilians scramble for safety, crowding into underground stations that serve as impromptu shelters. Yet, amid this bedlam, Londoners persist markets open, clubs hum with music, and life, unbelievably, continues.

Steve McQueen, known for his powerful storytelling in films like 12 Years a Slave and Hunger, brings a raw and intimate lens to the lives of those affected by war. In Blitz, he trades battlefield heroism for the quiet, resilient courage of ordinary people a narrative choice that makes the devastation even more personal.

The Human Cost of War: Rita and George

At the heart of Blitz is Rita Hanway (Saoirse Ronan), a munitions factory worker, and her son George (Elliott Heffernan), a nine-year-old boy forced to confront the realities of war in ways no child should. George, already feeling alienated due to his race his father, a Black man from Grenada, is absent not by choice finds himself further uprooted when he’s evacuated from London to escape the bombings. His resentment toward his mother is palpable as he boards the train to the countryside, telling her he hates her. The train ride, however, is just the beginning of his perilous journey.

A Boy’s Journey Through Wartime Chaos

George’s journey is not just physical it’s an odyssey through the darkest parts of wartime London. After impulsively leaping from the train, George embarks on a dangerous trek back to the city, encountering characters that both aid and exploit him. His path mirrors the chaos of war itself: unpredictable, fraught with danger, yet interspersed with moments of human kindness. From a kind soldier who briefly shelters him to a Dickensian gang of thieves trying to pull him into their schemes, George’s journey through bombed-out London is a microcosm of the broader war experience—where hope and horror coexist in every moment.

Rita: A Mother’s Battle for Her Family

While George fights his way back to London, Rita faces her own battles. A resilient figure, Rita embodies the quiet strength of women left behind during the war. She’s tough, resourceful, and deeply protective of her son, even as she struggles with the decision to send him away for his safety. Yet, there’s a softness to her, captured in poignant flashbacks where we see her dancing and falling in love with George’s father, Marcus (CJ Beckford), in a jazz club. These moments of joy are fleeting, overshadowed by the relentless march of war.

Rita’s life, much like London itself, has been transformed by the Blitz. The carefree days of youth have given way to a grim reality where every day is a battle for survival. She works in an ammunition factory, donning a headscarf that makes her look like a British Rosie the Riveter. Her colleagues try to lift her spirits, but Rita’s thoughts never stray far from George. Her worry for him, combined with the weight of her own hardships, makes her a profoundly relatable character.

A Film About Humanity, Not Heroes

What sets Blitz apart from many WWII films is its focus on the ordinary, not the extraordinary. McQueen doesn’t glorify soldiers or paint grand portraits of heroism. Instead, he shines a light on the unsung heroes women like Rita, children like George, and minorities like the Nigerian-British soldier Ife (Benjamin Clementine), who helps George and acts as a quiet moral compass throughout the film. Ife’s character underscores the racial tensions of the time, as he navigates a world where Black people and other minorities are fighting not just for survival, but for recognition and respect in a society that often marginalizes them.

The Role of Race in Wartime London

Race plays a significant role in Blitz, adding layers of complexity to the narrative. George, a young Black boy, grapples with his identity throughout the film, initially rejecting his heritage in a world that sees him as different. His father, Marcus, is shown in flashbacks being attacked by white thugs, and George faces bullying because of his race. But as the film progresses, George begins to embrace his identity, particularly after reconnecting with Ife, who represents the strength and resilience of the Black community during this tumultuous time.

McQueen deftly intertwines the personal and the political, using the backdrop of WWII to comment on broader issues of race, tolerance, and community. In one memorable scene, a group of refugees is being separated in a shelter based on religion and ethnicity, a moment that serves as a stark reminder of the divisions that still exist, even in times of shared suffering. Through this and other moments, Blitz highlights the importance of unity and the strength of communities in the face of adversity.

The Sound and Fury of War

McQueen’s visual and auditory choices in Blitz are as impactful as the narrative itself. The film opens with an image of firefighters battling a roaring blaze, their hose whipping through the air like a snake as bombs continue to fall. The soundscape of the film, including Hans Zimmer’s haunting score, immerses viewers in the chaos of war, blending the high-pitched wail of air-raid sirens with the explosive sound of bombs hitting the ground.

But it’s not all noise and fury. McQueen balances these intense moments with quieter, more intimate scenes like Rita playing the piano with her father Gerald (Paul Weller), or George watching the chaos from the relative safety of a museum. These moments of stillness are where the film’s heart truly lies, offering glimpses of humanity amid the devastation.

The Blitz: A City as a Character

London itself is as much a character in Blitz as any of the film’s human protagonists. McQueen brings the city to life, capturing its transformation from a bustling metropolis to a war-torn landscape. Yet, even as buildings crumble and streets fill with rubble, there’s a sense of resilience in the city’s bones. The film portrays London not as a victim of war, but as a living, breathing entity one that, like its people, endures despite the destruction.

A Slice-of-Life Story with a Universal Message

At its core, Blitz is less about plot and more about the human experience. It’s a slice-of-life film that uses the backdrop of war to explore universal themes of love, loss, resilience, and identity. While the ending may feel rushed to some, the film’s emotional impact lingers long after the credits roll. McQueen masterfully captures the full spectrum of the human condition, from moments of intense fear to unexpected bursts of joy.

FAQs

What is the central theme of Blitz?

The central theme of Blitz is the resilience of ordinary people during times of extraordinary adversity. It explores how individuals and communities come together to survive the destruction of war, with a particular focus on minorities and marginalized groups.

Is Blitz a war film?

While Blitz is set during WWII, it’s not a traditional war film. Rather than focusing on soldiers and battles, it centers on the experiences of civilians in London during the Blitz, highlighting the personal and emotional toll of war on everyday people.

How does Blitz address issues of race and identity?

Blitz delves into the experiences of Black and minority characters during WWII, particularly through the characters of George and Ife. The film explores themes of racial discrimination and identity, and how these issues intersect with the larger narrative of war and survival.

Who are the main characters in Blitz?

The main characters in Blitz are Rita (Saoirse Ronan), a munitions factory worker, and her son George (Elliott Heffernan), a young boy navigating the chaos of war-torn London. Other key characters include Ife (Benjamin Clementine), a Nigerian-British soldier, and Gerald (Paul Weller), Rita’s father.

What makes Blitz stand out from other WWII films?

What sets Blitz apart is its focus on the lives of ordinary people, particularly women, children, and minorities, during the war. Steve McQueen’s direction brings a fresh perspective to the genre, emphasizing the personal and emotional toll of the Blitz rather than glorifying battle scenes or military heroism.