Inside Steve McQueen’s Vision for Blitz
Acclaimed filmmaker Steve McQueen has once again delivered a cinematic experience with Blitz, the Apple TV+ film set during World War II. This time, McQueen takes us on an intimate journey through the eyes of George, a young Black man navigating self-determination and love amid the chaos of wartime London. With themes of resilience, family, and personal growth at its core, Blitz is a story that transcends its historical setting, making it deeply relevant today.
In an exclusive interview, McQueen shared the intricacies of casting and the personal connections that shaped the narrative.
On Casting Elliot Heffernan: The Power of Presence
The film stars Saoirse Ronan and Elliot Heffernan, who makes his film debut as the young protagonist. The cast is rounded out by an impressive ensemble, including Harris Dickinson, Benjamin Clementine, Kathy Burke, Paul Weller, and Stephen Graham.
The role of George was pivotal to the film’s success, and finding the right actor was no small feat. The search led McQueen to Heffernan, who was discovered through an open call. When asked what set him apart, McQueen said:
“There was a stillness in him. When I first saw the tape, it was like a tape of a group of people, and there was stillness. So it’s like, you’re fascinated to know what he was thinking. At a certain point, you thought you knew what he was thinking, and if you didn’t, you tried to turn your attention to his face to find out. He had you. He had this almost silent movie star quality where your perception of him is a want—you want to know what he’s thinking. He’s interesting even when he’s eating cornflakes.”
This quiet charisma allowed Elliot to embody a complex character whose decisions drive the film’s emotional core.
Why World War II?
While Blitz is set during one of history’s most tumultuous periods, McQueen clarified that the film’s focus isn’t on racism despite its presence in all eras. Instead, the director zeroed in on themes of survival, self-determination, and love.
“First and foremost, I’m not interested in racism. I have no interest in it. It’s not of any interest to me,” McQueen explained. “It’s about that particular period, you know—we don’t, we have to deal with it, but that’s not our thing. Our thing is living and surviving. That’s what we do, and that’s what we’ve done. That’s why we’re here. And our ancestors before us are here because that’s what God has said. So it’s incredible, isn’t it, that we are here because of people who have survived, and we owe it to them now to thrive.”
The Core of the Story: Love and Self-Determination
At its core, Blitz is about finding home, which McQueen defines as love. Elliot’s decision to jump off a train, evacuating him to safety in the countryside, exemplifies his determination to control his narrative.
“He was put on the train to go somewhere in the countryside, and he decided, ‘No, no, no, that’s not going to be my narrative. I’m going to change my narrative,’” McQueen shared. “That’s what this picture is about. It’s about him going home and finding a home at the end of the day. This movie, finding home, is love—love for his mother and himself.”
The film’s poignant message reminds viewers that love and agency remain powerful forces for change even amid destruction.
Streaming Now on Apple TV+
Blitz showcases Steve McQueen’s unparalleled ability to weave humanity into large-scale narratives, delivering a story as visually stunning as it is emotionally resonant. With a dynamic cast, including a breakout performance by Elliot’s actor, the film is a must-watch for fans of historical dramas and deeply personal storytelling.
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