Don't Send Me Away.
Review written by Jack Aling
Blitz is directed & written by Steve McQueen. Starring Elliott Heffernan, Saoirse Ronan, Harris Dickinson & Benjamin Clémentine.
In World War II London, nine-year-old George is evacuated to the countryside by his mother, Rita, to escape the bombings. Defiant and determined to return to his family, George embarks on an epic, perilous journey back home as Rita searches for him.
Steve McQueen's WW2 drama feels surprisingly safe considering how varied his career has been.
It does a great job of capturing the dread and panic of the London Blitz with uncertainty hanging in the air. But focusing on Elliott Heffernan's George helps to set this story apart.
McQueen focus on the Black experience in the UK is his speciality - see no further than the fantastic Small Axe - so it was interesting to see how his angle of storytelling combined with a traditional war drama.
After abandoning his evacuation, we follow George's solo journey across London as he meets a range of characters who shape his outlook on the world and his place in it.
Blitz is full of moments of unease but it doesn't stand out compared to other wartime films and McQueen's own filmography.
Our verdict: 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Anora arrives in select UK CInemas on November 8th 2024 and streaming on AppleTV+ on November 22nd 2024.
Read more of Jack's reviews at: letterboxd.com/TheJackAling
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