S Poddar
British World War II film Blitz has scooped the hearts of critics and audiences since its screening at the BFI London Film Festival. Directed and written by Sir Steve McQueen, the film has received tremendous feedback already, and on Rotten Tomatoes, it wears a whopping 91% positive reviews. The most notable highlights of the film include Saoirse Ronan, who has fans and critics alike wondering if this is the Oscar she would finally receive after four previous nominations.
Set against the backdrop of World War II, Blitz gives an effective account of George, portrayed by Elliott Heffernan, who is sent away to the English countryside as a young boy, by his mother Rita, played by Ronan, in a final-ditch effort to save him from the brutal bombing raids on London. The film appears to hold much more than a personal survival story in this regard; it also looks forward to portraits sweeping from wartime Britain through the visual expressionist, McQueen.
The makers have knitted into the story many emotional and moral complexities. The Daily Telegraph describes the movie as “a thrilling, moving, morally provoking odyssey through Britain at war”. The vivid supporting characters who are a journey along with young George have come alive through detail and authenticity, hence creating an immersive experience that has struck the chords of audiences far and wide.
According to The Independent, what makes the film is that McQueen is interpreting a very trodden period in history. So many films have been made around World War II, yet the reviewer adds that McQueen’s touch-which the movie is informed by his telling style-makes Blitz feel enormous. It seems in Blitz that this tactic has struck a real chord, for most seem to cite his ability to pinpoint both the sweeping canvases and the more intimate elements of war.
Evening Standard praises with a more measured tone-“a series of beautifully composed episodes”-and whereas the critics are always demanding of rapid succession, action-driven narrative formats, McQueen finds himself pursuing methodical contemplation before each scene gets breathing space. Much about the structure perhaps discourages some viewers, possibly those hoping for a more conventionally epic style war movie. End.
According to Time Out, one of the most marked achievements of the film is the exposure of social divisions of the era. McQueen’s script brings out the kind of inequality that characterized the war period, where working-class families would get locked out from seeking shelter in Tube stations, and others hid below ground. Socialism’s rise and widespread racism of the time are also studied, lending more depth to the film’s narrative. The socio-political undertone of times makes Blitz relevant to current society, as it forces viewers to drag confrontational truths about the past into the present.
The Observer admires his vision as that of a director “who understands we can only look forward by looking back.” His introspective storytelling provides the audience with a second chance to rethink their views of World War II, always finding new meaning in a history with which everyone is so closely acquainted. And perhaps that is the most powerful strength of the film-the power to grant viewers an improved understanding of the past, and one made possible by no other than McQueen himself.
That said, not all review has been glowing. While lots have hailed the ambition and execution of the film in and of itself, a few critics have criticized the pacing and episodic nature. For those viewers who could stand for something a little more action-driven, if you will, Blitz may sometimes seem slow or overly reflective. Still, the general consensus is very favorable, with many expecting this to be an awards season contender.
What’s particularly striking about Ronan’s performance is the buzz. Already, at just four nominations for her work at the Academy, Ronan has long been regarded as one of the finest actors of her generation. Here, in Blitz, she plays a mother fighting to protect her child against unimaginable hardship: tacky, magnificent, and terrifyingly raw. Be it or not, whether this will be the role that finally brings her the coveted Oscar remains to be seen, but the early signs are certainly promising.
As the merits are tallied ahead of awards season, Blitz is a serious contender, but also because of its refreshing and intelligent contribution to the World War II film genre. With so much emotional depth on display, and historical insight coupled with truly powerful performances, it stands as a significant achievement in British cinema, and could take home some of the industry’s top honors in the months to come.
