Blitz

 

          Steve McQueen wrote, directed and produced this new wartime drama starring Saoirse Ronan and Elliot Heffernan. The film takes place in London during the German "Blitzkrieg" or "Blitz" for short. It was a horrible nightmare for the British as the German air force dropped thousands of bombs, practically leveling the city and killing thousands.

         Ms. Ronan stars as Rita, a single mother who, like hundreds of other parents, sends her child on a train out of the city for his protection. Defiantly, nine year old George, played by Elliot Heffernan, in his first role,  leaves the train to find his way back to the city and his mother.

          Young Mr. Heffernan is simply amazing, wise beyond his years and effortlessly tackling a complicated and important role. He easily steals the movie. Ms. Ronan shows once again, why she is such a wonderful actress, who even gets to sing during the film. Co-starring as her father, is the legendary Paul Weller and in smaller roles, Stephen Graham, Benjamin Clementine, and Harris Dickinson.

          Mr. McQueen and his team realistically recreate a bombed out London and put the viewer squarely in the action. His visuals are amazing. The technique he uses to show the devastation before and after each bombing is unique and incredibly well done. In addition, credit the wonderful cinematography by Yorick Le Saux for imagery that will stick in your mind, long after the film ends.  

          The sound design, art direction and music by Hans Zimmer all combine to bring George's odyssey to vivid life as he struggles to find his way home juxtaposed with Rita's story of survival during a devastating time. I predict multiple Academy Award nominations.

           The film is in limited theatrical release and now available on a major streaming service.