Director Steve McQueen knows how to bring in real-life events to make audiences feel the impact. He did so with Hunger (2008), Shame (2011), and 12 Years a Slave (2013). He has had other projects, but these previous films and his newest feature Blitz illustrate the challenge of battling reality no matter what the cost. Blitz is a historic tale where peril is a risk that must be dealt with to survive. London during World War II provides the setting in which a deep form of barely controllable tough love is at play. However, the story is more focused on those running for their lives than the historical aspects of the film itself. McQueen’s use of disconnect eventually finding a path to reconnection is done well in Blitz. McQueen also wrote the screenplay, and this time around, it feels like he used a different approach as a director when creating this drama.

The plot of the film takes place in the 1940s. There are a group of Londoners experiencing the dangers of the British Capital Bombing during the war. The main character is Rita (played by Saoirse Ronan), and she puts her son George (played by Elliott Heffernan) on a train as the times are tumultuous. George escapes the train and finds himself facing various hurdles. When Rita finds out George is missing, the search process for home and love does not come easy in Blitz.

The harsh times the characters are living in are filled with uncertainty which translates into a mind-boggling feeling for theaudience. Ronan is the concerned mother taking the necessary steps to try and find her son. Heffernan is the young boy scared for his life, but also hoping to find those who he can trust to help him navigate the uncharted territory he never imagined he would have to endure. George meets an African American soldier named Ife (played by Benjamin Clementine), and he helps George a lot. Jack (played by Harris Dickinson) is an English soldier who is of some assistance to Rita. The film also reveals the obstacles caused by racism and segregation during that era.  Some characters have a sense of entitlement that causes Blitz to have more unnerving moments amid the ever-present dangers. 

This is not a masterpiece, but it is solid film filled with emotions. Blitz lacks McQueen’s normal intensity and is a lot lighter than his previous projects. The subject matter is heavy, but primarily geared on finding peace with the loved ones and resolution to endure the perils that the story reveals. The period of World War II is important, but the story focuses more on the impact on innocent lives than zeroing in on warfare scenes. This is a drama where all may feel lost, but there is still a chance for restoration. In the end, it is about staying the course and never giving up. Two-and-a-half out of four stars for Blitz.