Steve McQueen’s latest feature film, Blitz, is set to debut at the London Film Festival, showcasing an exploration of London during World War II. The film follows the epic journey of a 9-year-old boy named George, who is sent to safety in the English countryside by his mother, Rita. However, George’s defiant nature leads him on an adventure back to his family in East London, putting him in immense peril.
Blitz is McQueen’s first sole feature screenwriting credit, and it stars Saoirse Ronan as Rita, Elliott Heffernan as George, and a talented ensemble cast including Harris Dickinson, Benjamin Clementine, and Paul Weller. The film promises a poignant story of a working-class family desperate for reunion during wartime, capturing the spirit of resilience and sacrifice that Londoners endured during the Blitz.
The world premiere of Blitz will take place at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, with simultaneous screenings across the UK. McQueen expressed his excitement about opening the festival with Blitz, stating his commitment to honoring the true representation of Londoners during the wartime era. BFI London Film Festival Director, Kristy Matheson, praised McQueen’s handling of the subject matter, highlighting the film’s incredible scale and nuanced portrayal of characters and the city itself.
Blitz promises to be a film that not only pays homage to the resilience of Londoners during World War II but also offers a fresh perspective on the challenges faced by families during times of conflict. McQueen’s adept storytelling and the stellar performances of the cast make Blitz a must-watch for audiences eager to delve into the historical and emotional contexts of wartime London.