Saoirse Ronan, known for her riveting performances in films like Lady Bird and Little Women, returns to the screen with an intriguing role in Steve McQueen’s latest project, Blitz. This new endeavor sees Ronan delving into the past and uncovering the intimate struggles of maintaining hope and humanity amidst the devastations of World War II. Set in a London repeatedly scarred by wartime bombings, Blitz is less about the frontlines and more about the quiet courage of those left behind, searching for semblance among the ruins.
Ronan plays Rita, a young mother whose life becomes a tense and chaotic journey through the bomb-riddled streets of London. The film’s narrative centers around her frantic quest to locate her lost son, George, portrayed by newcomer Elliott Heffernan. McQueen’s intent is clear — he bypasses traditional war films’ tropes and dives deep into personal tales of resilience and determination.
In typical fashion, Saoirse Ronan breathes life into the character of Rita with an authenticity and rawness that captivates the audience. Rita is not the stoic wartime figure often seen in such stories. Instead, she is vividly real; a woman battling not just external warfare but also the prejudices and societal norms of her time. Her relationship with a West Indian seaman offers a subtext of social defiance, highlighting the film’s broader commentary on love, race, and survival.
As Saoirse embarks on this cinematic journey, she reflects on the collaboration and camaraderie built with her young co-star, Elliott Heffernan. She speaks candidly about her responsibility to create a supportive atmosphere, recognizing how vital these early experiences can be for a budding actor. For Ronan, ensuring a nurturing environment on set was paramount, recalling her own early days in the industry where positivity shaped her worldview and creative approach.
A significant aspect of Blitz is its backdrop — a war-torn London that echoes not just historical sufferings but resonates with contemporary conflicts, such as the recent Ukrainian war.
. This timely parallel intensified the emotional weight during filming, bridging the past and present in a poignant narrative thread. Ronan personally felt the impact of modern warfare narratives shaping the storytelling process, bringing a layer of empathy and urgency to her performance.
Moreover, the film intricately weaves music into its tapestry, with Emmy-winner Nicholas Britell handling the score. Ronan’s entrance into the musical dimension adds another layer to the character, capturing the essence of wartime Britain through a modern lens. Britell, noted for his ability to blend contemporary sounds with period authenticity, adapted his approach to accommodate Ronan’s vocal strengths, creating a harmonious synergy between performer and music that enriches the film’s emotional core.
Beyond just recounting wartime tales, Blitz compellingly captures the transformative journey of women during WWII. As men were conscripted, women like Rita stepped into roles previously unavailable to them, seizing independence and a newfound voice. Ronan underscores this theme by embodying a character who, despite personal tragedies, evolves with the resilience of a new era, reflecting the broader societal shift ignited by the war.
Ronan praises the visionary work of costume designer Jacqueline Durran in bringing Rita’s story to life, maintaining an authentic yet emotionally resonant wardrobe that mirrors Rita’s journey: from love and loss to her relentless pursuit of belonging, all dressed with a quiet elegance.
Through deeply personal storytelling, Blitz sheds light on the untold stories of war — those of the individuals not on the frontlines but equally pivotal in the narrative of human endurance. As Ronan connects with Rita’s tale, she draws a line to her Irish roots, where storytelling has historically provided a communal strength and solace amidst hardship.
Steve McQueen’s Blitz is set to release on Apple TV on November 22, 2024, positioning itself not merely as a historical recounting, but a reflection of timeless struggles and the perpetual quest for identity, community, and peace. Ronan, through her nuanced performance, cements her standing as a profound storyteller, capturing the essence of an era while resonating with audiences today.
